Assessing Zero-Emission Vehicles from the Customer’s Perspective by Using a Multi-Criteria Framework

Sustainability, vol. 16, pp. 11149

Abstract

In this article, we propose an assessment framework for zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) in Germany using economic and customer-relevant criteria, with a focus on the mobility needs of individuals. Developing this framework required data obtained from four different sources: (1) literature, (2) semi-structured interviews, (3) a survey, and (4) market research. First, we derived the criteria relevant to assessing ZEVs from the literature and from semi-structured interviews. These interviews were conducted with individuals who have driving experience with both battery and fuel cell electric vehicles. Seven criteria were found to be particularly relevant for assessing ZEVs: greenhouse gas emissions, infrastructure availability, charging/refueling time, range, spaciousness, total costs, and driving dynamics (in descending order of importance). Second, we conducted a survey among 569 ZEV drivers and ZEV-interested individuals in order to weight these seven criteria. This survey was based on the Analytic Hierarchy Process approach. We then used market research to assign value scores to each criterion, representing the extent to which a particular ZEV meets a given criterion. Finally, we combined the value scores with the criteria weights to create the assessment framework. This framework allows for a transparent assessment of different ZEVs from the perspective of (potential) customers, without the need to repeatedly involve the surveyed participants. Our study is primarily useful for mobility planners, policymakers, and car manufacturers to improve ZEV infrastructure and support transportation systems’ transition towards low-carbon mobility.

Authors 2

1. Paul Fabianek corresponding Aachen Institute for Future Energy Consumer Needs and Behavior School of Business and Economics / E.ON Energy Research Center

   RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   Institute for Future Energy Consumer Needs and Behavior (FCN), School of Business and Economics/E.ON Energy Research Center, RWTH Aachen University, Mathieustrasse 10, 52074 Aachen, Germany

2. Reinhard Madlener Aachen Institute for Future Energy Consumer Needs and Behavior School of Business and Economics / E.ON Energy Research Center

   RWTH Aachen University · Norwegian University of Science and Technology

   Affiliation as printed

   Department of Industrial Economics and Technology Management, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Sentralbygg 1, Gløshaugen, 7491 Trondheim, Norway

   Institute for Future Energy Consumer Needs and Behavior (FCN), School of Business and Economics/E.ON Energy Research Center, RWTH Aachen University, Mathieustrasse 10, 52074 Aachen, Germany