Factors Influencing Electric Vehicle Purchases Among Older Adults
Author Information
Author(s): Jonathon Vivoda, Renee Louis
Primary Institution: Miami University, Oxford, Ohio, United States; University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
Hypothesis
What factors influence older adults' likelihood of purchasing electric vehicles?
Conclusion
Older adults' likelihood of purchasing electric vehicles is influenced by education, race, political ideology, and perceptions of EVs.
Supporting Evidence
- Higher education levels are associated with a greater likelihood of purchasing an electric vehicle.
- Asian and Hispanic individuals are more likely to consider buying an electric vehicle compared to White individuals.
- A more liberal political ideology correlates with a higher likelihood of EV purchase.
- Believing that scientists understand climate change well increases the likelihood of purchasing an EV.
- Favoring the phase-out of gasoline vehicles is linked to a higher likelihood of EV purchase.
- Perceptions that EVs are fun to drive, reliable, or environmentally friendly increase purchase likelihood.
- Perceptions that EVs are more expensive decrease the likelihood of purchasing one.
- Identifying as a Democrat and having a high income are associated with increased likelihood of EV purchase.
Takeaway
This study found that older people are more likely to buy electric cars if they have more education and think EVs are fun and good for the environment.
Methodology
The study used two waves of data from the Pew Research Center’s American Trends Panel and applied ordinal logistic regression models.
Participant Demographics
Older adults in the US, with a focus on education, race, and political ideology.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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