Beyond Adoption: Examining Electric Vehicle Miles Traveled in Households with Zero-Emission Vehicles

Abstract

The environmental benefits of zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) are affected by both consumer adoption and usage patterns. While numerous studies examine consumers’ stated or revealed preferences for ZEV adoption, ZEV usage patterns have received less attention. Based on the 2019 California vehicle survey data, this paper analyzes the annual mileage of three ZEV types: battery electric vehicle (BEV), plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), and fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV). Results show that ZEVs are driven as much as or more than internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEVs). Furthermore, focusing on households with one ZEV and one or more ICEVs, factors that influence household electric vehicle miles traveled (eVMT) are explored using multiple linear regression models. Greater battery range, home charging capability (regardless of charger type), and provision of special electricity rates for home charging are found to be positively correlated with the eVMT of PHEV households. The eVMT of BEV households is positively associated with Level 2 home charging capability, solar panel installation, access to workplace DC fast charging, and access to public Level 2 and DC fast charging stations. The number of routinely-used public hydrogen refueling stations is associated with higher FCEV household eVMT. Lastly, when high-occupancy vehicle lane access is rated as extremely important in the ZEV purchase decision, greater eVMT is found for both BEV and FCEV households, but not for PHEV households. Results of this study inform policies to encourage eVMT over vehicle miles traveled by ICEV in a household, achieving greater environmental benefits from ZEVs.