The first vehicle trials with EVs held in the UK have produced their initial results regarding user impressions of the vehicles. Not surprisingly, the users tend to have sceptical views when starting the trail but as they become better acquainted with operating the vehicles to meet their mobility needs these views tend to become more positive. This affect is not solely limited to EVs but has been demonstrated with a number of new technology introductions. Experience and information seem to be the best way to overcome fears and anxiety concerning new technologies with the former usually more effective than the latter.
So if drivers need to have experience with EVs before they will tend to view them in a positive light and consider them for their next vehicle purchase, the question is how do we provide this experience? There are a number of ways that can be considered. Firstly, with improvements in computer and virtual reality technology the application of EV simulators is a real possibility. These would allow drivers to go for a virtual journey in an EV and get an impression of how these vehicles operate. This method does have the limitation that no matter how realistic the simulation is the user will always know that it is not genuine and so will question is validity. However, a simulator may prove to be a cheap option allowing a large number of drivers to experience an EV journeys from a central location.
Undoubtedly drivers will want to get behind the wheel of these vehicles if they are to really get a grasp of how they operate. Test drives are a method employed by most dealerships. Getting the customer to take their potential new vehicle out on the roads makes them much more likely to consider pursuing the purchase. A short test drive could convince drivers that EVs operate in the same manner to conventional vehicles however, they will not give a full impression of what it is like to own and maintain an EV. If it is prolonged exposure to these vehicles that is needed to overcome some of the embedded fears and misconceptions there are still 3 methods I can think of that will meet these goals.
Large quantities of insurance policies now provide the use of a courtesy vehicle to a policy holder when their vehicle is off the road due to damage or servicing. This situation can be a large disturbance to the policy holder but in times of disturbance people often reconsider aspects of their lives, such as mobility, they may have taken for granted. Habits and common practices can be reassessed in an attempt to limit future exposure. There is a potential for the insurance firm to be encouraged to provide an EV courtesy car to its policy holders that have mobility needs that are compatible with EV attributes. Policy holders usually expect a courtesy car not to be of a high quality but may prove interested in trying out a unique EV for the short duration their own vehicle is off the road. This prolonged but time limited exposure to an EV may improve a policy holder’s understanding of and perceptions towards EV technology which may encourage them to consider an EV in their next vehicle purchase. The policy holder’s experience with an EV can also diffuse through their social network which can have an indirect positive effect.
A related method to EV experience in courtesy cars relates to the vehicle hire market. This market allows drivers to rent a vehicle for a desired length of time and then return it to the hired company. This market has subsequently split into two sections where the vehicle is leased for say a set number of days or where the driver only pays for the hours they use the vehicle before returning it to a designated location. The later section is becoming popular in urban environments where vehicles may be needed for short periods of time for a handful of trips. There is a potential for both sections of the vehicle hire market to incorporate EVs into their fleets and provide drivers with the opportunity to experience EVs.
The last method that I can think of to allow drivers to experience an EV without having to make a purchase is through their employment. Businesses often operate fleets of vehicles to allow them to conduct their commercial activities. These fleets have the potential to be diversified to incorporate EVs with the potential of financial benefits to the Business (fleet vehicles are often used more intensely than private vehicles thus enhance their lower operating costs vis-à-vis) and also contributed to the Business’s corporate social responsibility. An employee who is provided with an EV for business use will be able to form impressions relating to this vehicle’s applicability however their evaluation may be different compared to if they were using this vehicle in a personal capacity.
It is clear that a range of options are available to get drivers experience with using EVs in order to overcome some of the negative attitudes and misconceptions. No single option will cover all dimensions and have an adequate market penetration. It is important that all these options are taken forward wherever possible.
No comments:
Post a Comment