Author(s): William Bouck
Mentor(s): Patrick Singleton
Institution USU
Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) have the potential to facilitate sustainable travel, providing efficient, clean transportation. Logically, BEV adoption will have the most significant impact in high-mileage markets, for drivers who use their vehicle the most frequently. In this study, we examined one such market—the “gig” driving economy: workers that deliver goods or chauffeur customers for app-based platforms such as Uber or DoorDash—to understand the differences between BEV and GPH (gas-powered or hybrid) drivers. More specifically, we studied electric vehicle purchase intentions, perceptions, behaviors, and driver characteristics. We also investigated BEV drivers’ usage of charging infrastructure and their charging experience. Our data come from surveys completed by 273 drivers in four cities throughout the western US. For our analysis, we calculated sample statistics and systematically compared BEV vs. GPH driver attributes, primarily through analysis of variance (ANOVA) and chi-squared tests of independence. From our work, we find little difference between BEV and GPH drivers’ priorities; both are equally concerned with environmental sustainability and BEV range limitations, though worries over BEV costs and charging time were more common. GPH drivers were more likely to learn about BEVs from social media, news, and advertisements. Moreover, although income level is independent from purchase intentions, BEV gig drivers are more affluent than their counterparts by several metrics, enabling them to invest in this new technology. Ultimately, BEV drivers prioritized the most utilitarian aspects of BEVs, finding money, time, and usability to be more important than eco-friendly travel or smooth motion. However, younger, high-driving gig drivers are more likely to consider switching to a BEV. In terms of charging, the most popular charger type is public and high-energy (Level 3: DC fast-charging). The most common issues with charging itself are high demand, and software and hardware issues. These findings indicate three needs: First, strategies must reduce the barrier of BEV’s high purchase price. Second, cities need more public charging infrastructure, especially high-power chargers. Third, information campaigns should use social media, news, and advertisements to communicate the benefits of BEVs for gig work, especially low fuel costs.