Modelling the Determinants of Electrical Vehicles Adoption: A Saudi Perspective

Abstract

This study aims to contribute to the literature by shedding light on the consumers' acceptance of electric vehicles in Riyadh and their potential response to adoption invectives. A stated preference experiment was developed and then incorporated into an online stated preference survey directed at the adult residents of Riyadh to collect 703 responses. Accordingly, a mixed logit model is constructed to be complimented with other survey insights in deriving the paper's final findings. Some of the study’s findings include that, unlike emissions from conventional vehicles, the emission levels of electric vehicles are insignificant in determining consumers’ selection. Respondents were more sensitive to changes in the monetary values of electric vehicles than conventional vehicles. Regarding any driving range anxiety, the study finds sensitivity to variation in the range levels of both electric and conventional vehicle ranges. Charging infrastructure availability and non-financial incentives (i.e., access to designated parking and road lanes) positively influence the likelihood of EV adoption. Regarding the socioeconomic and travel-behaviour determinants, Saudi participants were less likely than expats to purchase EVs. Meanwhile, females and those (both genders) in their 40s showed a likelihood of purchasing an EV. In addition, those with an average of shorter trip durations (less than 30 minutes) and those who personally know EV owners in Riyadh were more likely to adopt them. It is worth noting the study shows that almost 60% of the targeted population indicated an interest in purchasing a vehicle in the upcoming three years, where the great majority stated that a new vehicle would replace an existing vehicle. This creates a window of opportunity to implement optimal incentivising policies, as once a conventional vehicle is purchased, investment then becomes ‘locked’ for a period of years. The study then concludes with policy insights hoping to contribute to deriving the polices for large scale EVs adoption in Riyadh.