Electric vehicles: How do preferences differ for additional versus replacement household vehicles?

The electrification of vehicles is often a significant component of global efforts to decarbonize transportation. To promote EV adoption, there is a need to understand the factors influencing it and how these factors vary across the population. While many have studied this topic, few (if any) have distinguished the factors influencing EV adoption based on whether the EV is replacing an internal combustion engine vehicle (ICEV) or adding to a household’s fleet. Using a nationwide survey, this study examines how preferences towards hybrid, battery electric, and plug-in hybrid vehicles vary based on transaction type (i.e., to replace vs. acquire a car). Model results highlight differences in the effect and magnitude of factors influencing the propensity to choose EVs between households replacing an ICEV and expanding their vehicle fleet. However, regardless of transaction type, homeowners, younger adults, and individuals with higher levels of educational attainment are more likely to adopt EVs.