Interacting with limited mobility resources: Psychological range levels in electric vehicle use

Limited driving range is an obstacle to adoption of electric vehicles (EVs). We examine from a self-regulation perspective the psychological dynamics underlying individual reference values for three different types of range constructs. In a 6-month field trial 40 EVs were leased to a sample of early adopter customers. In general, users were satisfied with range and stressful range situations rarely occurred. Results further suggested that users were comfortable with utilizing approximately 75–80% of their available range resources. Several personality traits (e.g., control beliefs, low impulsivity) and system competence variables (e.g., daily practice, subjective competence) were positively related to range level values and thus range utilization. Comfortable range was positively related to range satisfaction. We recommend that psychology-based strategies should be applied to enhance range optimization.

► Drivers experience range as sufficient after 3 months of electric vehicle use.
► Users reserve substantial range safety buffers.
► Personality traits and system competence play a role in range utilization.