Widespread adoption of plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) can help to achieve deep reductions in global greenhouse gas emissions; however, the degree to which this potential will be realized depends on consumers’ decisions to purchase these vehicles over conventional ones. To provide comprehensive insight into the psychological and contextual influences on consumer vehicle preferences, three studies were performed using a mixed-methods approach. Study 1 employed a survey and stated choice experiment to explore: 1) the explanatory power of the three psychological variables from Ajzen’s (1991; 2005) theory of planned behaviour in predicting PEV purchase intentions among new vehicle buyers from British Columbia, and 2) the influence of hypothetical variations in financial and non-financial incentives on estimated PEV preference, with the goal of informing the design of provincial policy measures. Vehicle preferences were most strongly influenced by purchase price and point-of-sale incentives – with a roughly 4% forecasted increase in PEV new vehicle market share under a $5,000 purchase rebate – as well as by attitudes about PEVs (especially concerning personally-relevant PEV benefits), perceived behavioural control, and social norms. In Study 2, a latent class choice model was used to integrate survey and choice experiment data to characterize consumer classes based on vehicle preferences, demographic characteristics, and psychological variables. Findings revealed profiles of five distinct preference-based segments and demonstrated that the inclusion of psychological covariates can improve the fit of such latent class models. Study 3 extended these findings through a controlled message framing experiment that evaluated the impact of psychological distance on PEV purchase intentions. Results demonstrated that messages emphasizing both personally-relevant and societally-relevant PEV benefits increased related purchase intentions compared to the control group. Taken together, these findings may be useful in the development of PEV policies as well as targeted marketing and communications strategies aimed at supporting a transition to PEVs within Canada. / Graduate / 0451 / 0621 / 0709 / christine.kormos@gmail.com

This thesis analyses stated preferences for 4 different types of passenger ve- hicles (conventional, hybrid electric, plug-in hybrid, and battery electric vehi- cles). The discrete choice experiment survey was conducted in Poland in 2014. With the use of latent class model it was possible to identify and describe dis- tinct segments in the population with varying preferences for the propulsion technologies: groups with strong and weak preferences for conventional vehi- cles, segments preferring pure hybrid and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, and a class in favour of battery electric vehicles. Even though it was found that on average consumers would require compensation up to 22,200zł (e5,311) to switch to using an electric vehicle, respective segments in the population would be willing to pay around 10,100zł (e2,417) for this change in case of pure hy- brid, around 21,400zł (e5,128) in case of plug-in hybrid, and around 92,800zł (e22,199) in case of battery electric vehicles.

The transportation sector plays a significant role in global carbon emissions, emphasizing the need for transitioning to alternative fuel technologies. This thesis primarily aims to examine the factors that influence small road freight transport companies in Sweden when transitioning to alternative fuel technology. The focus is on identifying these determinants and their respective significance, utilizing a company internal Resource-Based view as the analytical framework. Semi-structured interviews were conducted among small road freight transport companies, with data analyzed using pattern and keyword matching analysis. The results reveal multiple determinants within financial, technological and organizational resources. Range, purchase cost, and customer demand emerged as the most influential determinants, with range limitations hindering adoption and high costs deterring investment. However, customer demand for eco-friendly transport presents an opportunity for companies to gain a competitive advantage. Company size, cargo type, and operational constraints also influence decision-making. In the data selection, micro companies exhibit a higher propensity for drop-in alternative fuels, while small-sized companies engaged in short-haul transportation are more open to alternative fuel adoption and riskier investments. Risk-averse followers tend to stick to established practices. Policymakers are recommended to invest in infrastructure, provide subsidies, and implement regulations to incentivize adoption, while vehicle producers should optimize designs and collaborate with fuel producers. Further research is advised to investigate the viability of different low-carbon fuel alternatives, explore challenges and motivations faced by different company types, and conduct comparative studies. Quantitative research methods can offer broader insights into this area of study.

The purpose of this study was to determine consumers' attitudes toward and perceptions of global warming and hybrid cars and examine the car purchasing behavior in Singapore. The benefits of the study will provide marketers with insight of consumers' demand for cars in Singapore. Findings will help automakers develop more effective, consumer-oriented advertising plans for cars in Asia as Singapore consists of diverse Asian ethnic backgrounds- Chinese, Indian, and Malaysain.