by Innovative Mobility Research | Mar 31, 2020 |
Authors: Susan Shaheen, Elliot Martin, and Timothy Lipman Date: January 2008 Abstract: Transportation is a major contributor of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gas emissions from human activity. It accounts for approximately 14% of total anthropogenic emissions globally and about 27% in the United States. Growing concern regarding the impacts of climate change and greenhouse gas emissions has led to innovations in automotive and fuel technology. However, behavioral response to the newest transportation technologies, such as hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (FCVs) and fueling infrastructure, is not well understood. This paper examines the results of an exploratory F-Cell hydrogen fuel vehicle fleet study, which focused upon fleet drivers’ attitudes and perceptions over a seven-month period in 2006. The study employed a longitudinal survey design, with three phases and one focus group. There are limitations to the exploratory dataset generated from this study (e.g., small sample size, self-selection bias, and generalizability). However, the results of this study provide insights into participants’ response to the FCV and hydrogen infrastructure over time and can help to inform further inquiry. Higher levels of hydrogen exposure are correlated with increased comfort with hydrogen, especially among those who were less experienced. Early adopters generally felt safer driving the F-Cell than later adopters. Respondents mostly felt safe refueling the F-Cell. As experience with the F-Cell increased, participants felt increasingly safe with the F-Cell. Driving range was considered a limitation. Furthermore, over the course of the study, participant perception of vehicle range increased due to learning. View...
by Innovative Mobility Research | Mar 26, 2020 |
Authors: Jeffrey Lidicker, Timothy Lipman, PhD, and Susan Shaheen, PhD Date: January 2010 Abstract: This study examines the relative economics of electric vehicle operation in the context of current electricity rates in specific utility service territories. The authors examined 14 utility territories offering electric vehicle (EV) rates, focusing on California but also including other regions of theUnited States. The consumer costs of EV charging were examined in comparison with gasoline price data, geographic location, and during three highly variable gasoline price periods of July 2008, January 2009, and July 2009. In a switch from a conventional 23 mile per gallon (10.2liters/100 kilometers) vehicle to a 300 watt-hours/mile electric vehicle driven 10,000 miles (16,100 km) per year, the study finds that savings in fuel costs ranged from approximately $100US to $1,800US annually, with considerable geographic variation and with higher-endvalues mostly in Summer 2008 when gasoline prices were relatively high. Charging off-peak instead of during peak periods saves an average of only a few hundred dollars US per year,rendering the incentive to charge off-peak a relatively small one except perhaps during some summer months when the on-peak prices are especially high. Gasoline price variances have a larger effect and switching from a low fuel economy conventional vehicle to the reference EV(compared with a switch from an already efficient vehicle) presents the highest savings level. The West and Midwest are generally the most favorable regions for EV economics, when EV charging rates and gasoline prices are considered together. View...
by Innovative Mobility Research | Mar 3, 2020 |
Authors: Susan Shaheen, PhD, Adam Cohen, Michael Randolph, Emily Farrar, Richard Davis, and Aqshems Nichols Date: December 2019 Abstract: The Shared Mobility Policy Playbook provides an introduction and definitions of shared mobility services, mode-specific resources for agencies looking to develop policies in their community, and policy-focused tools demonstrating case studies and best practices for shared mobility. This playbook has been designed for individuals and practitioners who want to know more about shared mobility and to communities interested in incorporating shared mobility into their transportation ecosystem. It is a practical guide with resources, information, and tools for local governments, public agencies, and non-governmental organizations seeking to incorporate and manage innovative and emerging shared mobility services. The following are suggested uses of this playbook: Access shared mobility resources including: opportunities, lessons learned, and best practices for deploying shared mobility across the United States. Use this playbook as a guide for strategic transportation planning and incorporating shared mobility into transportation plans and models. Reference best practices, lessons learned, and case studies to aid public policy development....
by Innovative Mobility Research | Feb 28, 2020 |
Authors: Susan Shaheen, PhD, Elliot Martin, and Hannah Totte Date: January 2020 Abstract: Reducing carbon emissions from the United States (U.S.) transportation sector has emerged as a priority action to combat climate change. Carsharing and zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) could be integral to creating a more sustainable transportation system. This paper presents the results of a study that evaluated the impacts of ZEV exposure on U.S. carsharing users. Surveys were administered to control and experimental groups of carsharing members that used shared PHEVs or EVs. Results showed that users who drove shared PHEVs or EVs more frequently were more likely to exhibit improved ZEV opinions. The population of respondents that used shared EVs and PHEVs were also more likely to recommend that others try driving a ZEV. The results suggest that exposure to PHEVs or EVs through carsharing increased a user’s reported likeliness to purchase a ZEV in the future. The experimental group, who employed shared PHEVs or EVs, was more likely to indicate that their next vehicle purchase will be a PHEV or EV than the control group. Collectively, the results suggest that temporary exposure to ZEVs through carsharing improves perceptions that may lead to an expanded ZEV market share. View PDF....
by Innovative Mobility Research | Sep 22, 2015 |
Authors: Susan Shaheen, Elliot Martin, Apaar Bansal Date Published: September 22, 2015 Abstract: The California Zero-Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Mandate, adopted in 1990, was aimed at increasing the sale and dissemination of low- or zero-emission vehicles throughout the California auto market. ZEVs include plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHVs) and all-electric vehicles (EVs). In an attempt to accelerate the exposure of ZEVs in the general population, in 2001, additional credits were allotted to automakers in return for placing ZEVs into transportation networks, such as carsharing fleets. This policy is set to end in 2018. This white paper presents the results of a study that evaluated the impacts of ZEV exposure on United States carsharing users. Two surveys were administered to members of several carsharing organizations that use PHVs or EVs in their fleet including: car2go, DriveNow, eGo, and Zipcar. One was a control group survey, which was comprised of 1,742 respondents, and the other was an experimental group survey, covering 1,920 respondents. The results support that exposure to PHVs or EVs through carsharing has influenced customer ZEV perceptions to be more positive and has commensurately increased the propensity for an individual to buy a ZEV. Furthermore, the data suggest that certain socio-demographic groups, such as younger people and women, are more interested in purchasing these vehicles after using them in carsharing....
