Determinants of Consumer Decisions in the Electric Vehicle Market

Abstract

Determinants of consumers’ decisions in the electric vehicle market are dictated by many factors, starting from ecology to the profitability of owning an electric vehicle. Currently, the electric vehicle market in Poland grows every year. When addressing the issues related to the determinants of consumer decisions on the electric vehicle market, statistical data and an online questionnaire were used, in which 103 people, who were interested in electric vehicles, participated. The main purpose of this research was to determine what factors influence consumers’ attitude to the purchase of electric vehicles the most. The study focuses primarily on Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs), as reflected in the survey design and respondents’ interpretations of electric vehicles. The study showed that over half of the respondents are considering the purchase of an electric vehicle, and to purchase this type of car they would be more encouraged by financial support, such as subsidies from the state and tax relief, as well as free parking spaces in cities. It was also established that consumers are discouraged from buying electric vehicles by the lack of adequate infrastructure in cities needed to freely own an electric vehicle, as well as too high prices of these cars and the long time it takes to charge the battery.