Electric Vehicles – environmental, economic and practical aspects. As seen by current and potential users

A survey among 1 721 Electric vehicle (EV) owners in Norway shows that they experience few disadvantages, that the number of EV-only households is growing, and that almost all plan to continue buying EVs. EVs are used for daily travel, especially to work, and the number of km driven annually is similar to the average car. The majority does not change travel pattern and most EVs replace a car with Internal Combustion Engine (ICE). When an EV is acquired as an additional vehicle, some respondents increase their driving. Many EV owners are people with high incomes living in large households in or around cities, and thus similar to other multicar owners. They value the economy of electric motoring, the environmental benefits, and that EVs meet their transport needs. Media and social networks seem to be the most important channels for the spread of knowledge of EVs. A parallel survey of 2 241 ICE car owners reveals a growing interest in electric motoring in this group, with one third considering buying an EV next time. With continuation of incentives, the market share of EVs will probably continue to increase. A strategy for adjustments could be needed for both economic and environmental reasons.