Introducing electric mobility in Latvian municipalities: results of a survey

Electric mobility is a key technology towards the decarbonization of the transport sector. However, before achieving high rates of market penetration of electric vehicles several important barriers must be overcome. The aim of this research was to collect first experiences with electric vehicle use in a municipal fleet in Latvia. It was done through a survey designed for public authorities granted financial support for electric car purchase within a State support programme. The survey consisted of three groups of questions describing: (1) technical data of vehicle fleet; (2) user habits and attitudes, and; (3) motivation of the municipal authorities in switching to electric vehicles. Particular attention was paid to analysis of existing barriers for electric vehicle use and estimation of the necessary improvement rate to overcome these barriers. Respondents rated the lack of charging infrastructure and high initial cost as the two most significant delaying factors for electric vehicle use. Based on the responses, a price reduction by half would result in a notable reduction in the existing price barrier. Meanwhile in case of infrastructure, consumers are much less willing to accept any nuisance and require unrestricted access to the charging infrastructure in order to no longer consider the lack of it as a barrier. (C) 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.