Understanding differences in travel behaviour among electric and conventional vehicle drivers: Evidence from a one-day travel diary in Metro Vancouver

Electric vehicles are viewed as key to the emerging sustainable transportation revolution in Canada and other developed nations and cities. EVs are growing in popularity and reputation, and supporting policy is now in place to see that this technology transforms the transportation industry. While EVs clearly reduce carbon emissions at the tailpipe, do they affect people's travel behaviour? This study examined the differences in travel behaviour among EV and non-EV drivers in Metro Vancouver using a one-day travel diary. Results show that EV drivers take significantly more car trips than non-EV drivers, and that they drive for significantly larger proportions of their daily trips. It was also found that EV drivers perceive the EV to be more environmentally friendly than transit, though non-EV drivers thought the opposite. These findings suggest that the positive contribution of EVs to sustainable mobility solutions in cities may be less than they appear.