ABSTRACT
The electric vehicle (EV) has great potential to reduce the impact of transport on the environment and is being rolled out in increasing numbers by the automotive industry. This chapter aims to evaluate, for a French sample of potential buyers of EVs, their behavioural intention to use electric vehicles and, more generally, to examine driver acceptance of EV technologies. To assess driver acceptability of EVs, the MINI E France project was undertaken by IFSTTAR, in France, in cooperation with the vehicle manufacturer BMW Germany. The questionnaires of the MINI E study addressed several different research issues. Only items related directly to, and exemplary of, the acceptance factors are discussed. These include items which refer to performance expectancy and ease of use expectancy in connection with the electric vehicle, items related to the subjective norms which can influence expectations of individuals, and finally, participants' overall purchase intentions with respect to this new type of vehicle.
