How to get more electric cars on the road: Slovenian consumer’s perspective

Abstract

Development of electric cars is nowadays the most dynamic and developing technological innovation in both private and freight transportation. Nowadays the studies of green technologies, especially in the area of green transport, are interesting for policy makers, vehicle producers, customers and energy suppliers. Electric cars represent a promising energy-and carbon-efficient alternative to internal combustion engine cars. However, as mobility behaviour is highly habitual, convincing people to switch from conventional cars to electric is challenging. In our research, which we carried out in the past years, in Slovenia, we tried to find out what influences the buying habits of people and what would motivate them. It turned out that the most relevant factor for not purchasing electric cars is firstly: total car price, which is once too high and secondly: short driving ranges. Different studies as well as results from our research have revealed that there is no single measure, which would dramatically increase demand for electric cars. Results have revealed that the most relevant factor for purchasing low emission car is still a total car price.