Overview
Electric cars are widely seen as a potential answer to energy and climate challenges. However, due to limitations for consumers (e.g. limited range, high purchase costs, insufficient recharging infrastructure), policy makers, consumers and other actors face substantial uncertainties. E.g. electrical vehicles may reduce access of users to activity locations.
Our research aims to understand potential barriers and enablers for the potential transition to electric cars. We will address two main questions:
1. To what extent is a transition to electric vehicles acceptable to consumers, and how will such a transition influence car ownership and car use? (Project 1).
2. Which factors are of crucial importance for the position of non-consumer stakeholders with respect to electric vehicles, and which policy strategies could stimulate these actors to cooperate so as to realise a successful introduction of electric vehicles? (Project 2).
Methodology will include questionnaire surveys, field experiments with electric vehicles in the Randstad area, actor interviews, and actor analysis. We will link our research to the other SAR programs (e.g., on pricing, supernetworks, recreation and accessibility). Our results will be relevant for society (notably public policy) and innovation theory.
Funding
Results
Scientific article
- S Bakker, B. Budde(2012): Technological Hype and Disappointment: Lessons from the Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Case Technology Analysis & Strategic Management pp. 549 - 563
Professional publication
- M Willems, S Bakker(2012): De wielerkoers als metafoor voor duurzame innovatie