Social Perception of Environmental and Functional Aspects of Electric Vehicles

Abstract

Climate change caused by CO2 emissions, the depletion of oil resources, and their unequivocal association with road transport constitute the primary factors behind the development of the electromobility sector. Simultaneously, existing infrastructure limitations and specific aspects of the social perception of electric vehicles may pose significant barriers to this sector’s growth in Poland, one of the fastest-growing economies in Europe. Therefore, this study aims to identify the level of diffusion of expert opinions regarding battery electric vehicles (BEVs) among vehicle users, in the context of user convenience (functionality) and their environmental impact, and to analyse the variability and determinants of these opinions. The obtained results are intended to serve as a basis for initiating actions to identify the limitations in the development of this automotive sector in Poland. Our study results indicate that the level of diffusion of expert opinions regarding BEVs among respondents is high. In contrast, opinions about these vehicles’ usability are more consistently internalised than those concerning their environmental impact. Moreover, this study demonstrates that limited financial resources and low levels of education among potential car buyers constitute barriers to developing this segment of the automotive market in Poland.