Main themes from the survey on attitudes towards E V R E S T, an Electric Vehicle with Range Extender as a Sustainable Technology, and what they mean for future development.
The survey asked people who use, manage or plan vehicles how they judge a range extender electric vehicle compared with a pure battery vehicle and a conventional car. Questions covered daily driving patterns, confidence in range, access to charging and expectations about running costs.
Responses were read for recurring concerns and expectations. The themes below summarise the main patterns that emerged across the questions.
Many respondents linked their acceptance of electric vehicles to the fear of running out of charge on longer journeys. A range extender was generally seen as a reassurance, provided that its operation remained simple and transparent.
Respondents wanted clear information on how the vehicle reduces emissions in practice, not only in laboratory conditions, and asked how the origin of electricity and fuel affects the overall benefit.
Three factors appeared most often when respondents explained why they would or would not consider a range extender vehicle.
Availability of charging at home or work strongly influenced how much respondents valued the range extender.
Expected fuel and electricity costs were weighed against purchase price and expected maintenance over the vehicle life.
Respondents preferred a vehicle that switches between operating modes without requiring active management by the driver.
The survey points to a clear need for transparent information. Respondents were open to a range extender concept when its benefits for range, cost and emissions were explained in terms of their own driving.
Your views on electric vehicles with a range extender help the EVREST team focus on the questions that matter most to users.
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