Who are Driving Electric Vehicles? An analysis of factors that affect EV adoption in Hawaii

From UHERO, May 30, 2018

This study uses data on EV registrations by zipcode in Hawaii to analyze a variety of demographic and transportation factors that might affect EV adoption.

After controlling for population and gasoline prices, zip codes with higher income and educational attainment are associated with higher levels of EV adoption.

Longer commute times also influence EV adoption – which is somewhat surprising given the relatively limited travel distances of an island geography. This suggests that there may be strong risk-aversion associated with EV range anxiety as well as prompts further study of the effect of trip-chaining on EV purchase decisions.

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