Evaluating the Adoption of Pure Electric Vehicles. An Examination of Sociotechnical Barriers Amongst UK Consumers

This study shows that the three major factors inhibiting EV market growth in the UK are: a lack of standardisation of rapid-charging facilities; sociotechnical issues linked to charge-point trauma (CPT); and a lack of sufficient and contiguous rapid-charging infrastructure. A buyer’s decision to choose an appropriate EV that suits their needs and lifestyle, depends upon three exogenous factors: product-related reviews, road tests, and private and government EV and general zero-emission data. This research uses primary and secondary research methodologies to evaluate the impact of the three main inhibiting factors (Chapters 3, 4 and 5) on the choices made by EV buyers/users/owners. The study presents barriers to EV adoption resulting from charge-point non-standardisation protocols. Additionally, the concept of charge-point trauma is introduced to the field for the first time, and finally the study creates a globally adaptable and portable model of calculating the volume of charge-points necessary to a given number of EVs. This investigation also uses primary research to collect evidence from current EV users and potential adopters concerning the significance of the three main inhibiting factors, showing how they influence consumer behaviour and growth in the sector. By exploring how current EV user’s experience influences public reviews and ratings, this research demonstrates the impact this public data has on EV consumer’s purchasing behaviour. The study gathered data within the UK through structured surveys of existing EV drivers, and used science-based field testing with data collection to analyse charge-point infrastructure protocol standardisation. Field tests and driver observation quantified the contiguous charge point network, its availability, and its capacity to satisfy current and future demand. This investigation utilises a non-generic model in each chapter to study the effects and outcomes of the three study phases, offering a graphical synopsis for all primary impact factors including the principal exogenous ones. The study integrates the principal impact factors to create for the first time, a precise model of behavioural apprehension and growth impedance among EV users and prospective buyers. This model is based on three main elements, including two major multi-locational field tests and trials, and a significant survey of more than 280 participants from the UK-based EV user community. The study develops an innovative, portable model to calculate the number of rapid chargers required to satisfy current and future EV demand anywhere in the world. This research makes a major contribution to the study of the barriers to adoption in the EV sector by considering all the influencers and stakeholders, that might indicate and potentially predict global trends within EV consumer behaviour. It therefore contributes to bridging the gap between industry and academic knowledge, thus helping reduce barriers to EV sector growth