Positive and negative spillover effects from electric car purchase to car use

This study reports the results of two online surveys conducted on buyers of conventional combustion engine cars compared to those of electric vehicles in Norway. The results show that electric cars are generally purchased as additional cars, do not contribute to a decrease in annual mileage if the old car is not substituted, and that electric car buyers use the car more often for their everyday mobility. Psychological determinants derived from the theory of planned behavior and the norm-activation theory show a high correlation between the purchase and use stages. Electric car buyers, have lower scores on many determinants of car use, especially awareness of consequences and close determinants of car use.

► On-line surveys used to look at electric purchasing and use patterns.
► Electric cars purchased as additional cars do not decrease annual mileage if the old car is not substituted.
► Electric car buyers use the car more often for their everyday mobility.
► Psychological determinants show a high correlation between the purchase and use stages.