VCC User Survey Results

PROJECT: Strategies to promote plug-in electric vehicle (PEV)
adoption include consumer education about potential energy cost savings.
However, the complexity of comparing gasoline and electricity prices makes
it difficult to quantify. Vehicle energy cost calculators
(VCCs) help consumers navigate this complexity, and research
shows they can increase consumer knowledge and positive attitudes about
PEVs. At least 12 of these calculators exist, but none appear to
be based on behavioral research. They vary in terms of a number of
features that are potentially important for user experience, education,
and persuasion. This seed funding will support development of design
specifications for vehicle energy cost calculators based on behavioral
research. The researchers will draw implications for vehicle energy cost
calculator design from literature on consumer perceptions of energy costs,
fuel economy, and electric vehicle adoption as well as a systematic review
of currently available VCCs. They will also conduct comparative usability
testing with several existing vehicle energy cost calculators. The
research team will disseminate findings to a range of stakeholders to
encourage development and applications of vehicle energy cost calculators
that facilitate PEV adoption. DATA: This dataset is from a
usability survey with VCC users who tested three VCCs and provide feedback
on their usability.