Evaluating perception towards electric vehicles in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area

Abstract

The vast majority of the world’s transportation options heavily rely on fossil fuel outputs, which has been a major contributing factor in the acceleration of global climate change. Given Ontario’s relatively ‘clean’ supply mix of electricity, recent public policy outputs reflect a shifting interest in better utilizing electricity to reform the transportation sector to meet greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction targets. The minimal proportion of electric vehicle ownership despite the province’s incentive programs suggests research into the barriers to adoption in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area must be identified to inform future decision making. A survey was completed amongst current electric vehicle owners as well as gasoline and diesel-vehicle owners to understand attitudes towards the technology and sustainable transportation reform more broadly. The results aim to better predict future tactics for a more successful diffusion of alternative mobility options to acquire greater consumer and public acceptance.