Indicators of Potential Use of Electric Vehicles in Urban Areas: A Real-Life Survey-Based Study in Hail, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

This study aimed to uncover the attitudes, preferences, and perceptions of Hail residents toward electric vehicles (EVs) by employing a real-life survey-based approach. This paper presents an in-depth analysis of the potential adoption and impact of EVs to clarify the picture of the transition from using traditional vehicles to using EVs in Hail City, Saudi Arabia. Hail is rapidly becoming a more urbanized city; in the past few decades, the city’s area has expanded from 3242 to 17,526 hectares, and its population has increased dramatically from 82,900 in 1984 to 344,111 in present day. As a result, the city is facing increasingly difficult challenges related to rising vehicle emissions and environmental degradation. A survey was conducted among a diverse group of 346 participants. The survey results show an average of 3.15 cars per family, which indicates a strong connection with personal vehicles. The survey provides a comprehensive picture of the respondents’ socioeconomic background, indicating an average household size of 5.8 people and an average monthly income of SR 13,350. The key findings from the survey reveal that approximately 52.3% of the respondents have 3–4 family members, and nearly half of the families own one or two cars. Government employees formed a major proportion of the respondents. The results show a significant inclination toward EVs, with 78.6% of the participants being aware of EV charging stations and 37.9% expressing a positive attitude towards switching to electric vehicles. Despite this, a large majority (88.7%) have never driven an electric car. The respondents’ driving habits are further explored in the survey, which reveals an average of 2.1 h of daily driving. Furthermore, the respondents disclosed an average weekly fuel expenditure of SR 235. The results also highlight that the average weekly cost for fuel varies among the respondents, with most respondents spending no more than SR 300 per week. Additionally, this study examined the daily vehicle mileage, revealing that 37.9% of the respondents have a daily mileage of 51 to 100 km, which impacts the planning of charging station capacities and locations. The findings suggest a growing interest in EVs and highlight the need for strategic infrastructure development to support the anticipated surge in EV adoption.

A Sustainable Solution for Urban Transport Using Photovoltaic Electric Vehicle Charging Stations: A Case Study of the City of Hail in Saudi Arabia

“…This suggests that interest in EVs is expanding, which is consistent with research by Almutairi [15]. To obtain more data about citizens' behavior regarding EVs and their CSs in Hail, see Al-fouzan and Almasri [12].…”

“…EV consumers' attitudes and views have been the subject of numerous research studies. To offer insight into the potential adoption and impacts of EVs in Hail City, KSA, as well as the move away from conventional cars, Al-fouzan and Almasri [12] conducted a survey. With 37.9% of participants stating they would be pleased to switch to an EV and 78.6% of participants knowing where EV charging stations are, the results show a clear preference for EVs.…”

“…The first data for the concepts examined in this study were collected by a questionnaire method, and the local community was provided with access to a Google survey. The survey was conducted by Al-fouzan and Almasri [12] in May 2022, and 346 individuals answered the questions. The questionnaire's objectives were to ascertain residents' mileage, fuel consumption, and acceptance of EVs, as well as to project the preliminary needs for EVCS integration to be sustainable.…”

“…Al-fouzan and Almasri [12] measured several parameters to assist in the creation of a forecast model for the adoption of EVs in the future. The weighted average values of the indicators were determined using Equations ( 7) and (9).…”

Related Work and Motivation for Electric Vehicle Solar/Wind Charging Stations: A Review

“…Sheldon and Dua [61] found that over 70% of respondents reported traveling 10 to 60 km each day. Al-fouzan and Almasri [62] completed a survey to shed light on the possible uptake and effects of EVs in Hail City, Saudi Arabia, and the shift away from conventional cars. The findings indicate a strong preference for EVs, with 37.9% of participants saying they would be happy to convert to an EV and 78.6% of participants knowing where EV charging stations are.…”