Consumers' Perceptions, Knowledge, and Adoption Patterns of Battery Electric Vehicles

Published

January 9, 2026

Author(s)

Xiatian Iogansen, Christina Gore, Joshua Kneifel, Sindhuja Lakshmipuram Ranganath, John Helveston

Abstract

This study analyzes survey data from 1,443U.S. residents collected in 2023 to examine consumer perceptions, knowledge, and adoption patterns of battery electric vehicles (BEVs). Findings reveal persistent informational and psychological barriers that hinder adoption among current non-adopters and sustained use among current adopters, underscoring the need for ongoing consumer education and post-adoption support. A binary logit model distinguishes between two types of adopters – BEV-only users and BEV-mixed-fuel users – and uncovers meaningful heterogeneity in their socio-demographic profiles, motivations, vehicle usage patterns, and charging behaviors that are often obscured in aggregate analyses. BEV-only users are more likely to be younger, urban and price-sensitive, more often lacking access to dedicated charging facilities, while mixed-fuel users are more driven by symbolic values of BEVs and better positioned to manage range limitations due to continued access to conventional vehicles. A multinomial logit model further explores adoption likelihood among non-adopters, showing that BEV-related perceptions, knowledge, infrastructure access, incentives, and personal traits affect intentions in asymmetric ways. These findings emphasize the need for context-sensitive strategies to reduce resistance and promote adoption.

Citation

Transportation Research Part D-Transport and Environment

Pub Type

Journals

Download Paper

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trd.2025.105194

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Keywords

Electric vehicle Adoption intention Vehicle fleet composition Fuel type choice Perception Knowledge Attitude

Citation

Iogansen, X. , Gore, C. , Kneifel, J. , Lakshmipuram Ranganath, S. and Helveston, J. (2026), Consumers' Perceptions, Knowledge, and Adoption Patterns of Battery Electric Vehicles, Transportation Research Part D-Transport and Environment, [online], https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trd.2025.105194, https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=959987 (Accessed January 27, 2026)