Consumer adoption of fuel cell vehicles: lessons from historical innovations and early adopters of battery electric vehicles

Hardman, Scott John (2016). Consumer adoption of fuel cell vehicles: lessons from historical innovations and early adopters of battery electric vehicles. University of Birmingham. Ph.D.

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Abstract

Fuel cell vehicles (FCVs), are one possible solution to address transportation-related climate change, urban air pollution and fossil fuel resource depletion. To solve these issues they need to displace internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEVs), the aim of this thesis is to understand whether FCVs can achieve this. First case studies of successful historical innovations are explored. Second the consumer adoption of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) is studied in detail by using questionnaire surveys and in-depth interviews. Finally, consumer attitudes and perceptions towards FCVs are investigated by conducting in-depth interviews and a FCV trial.
From all of these results this thesis finds that FCVs have fewer benefits as perceived by consumers compared to BEVs and ICEVs. This means that consumers may preferentially adopt BEVs and will not be attracted to FCVs. This thesis makes recommendations on how to improve the attributes of FCVs so that they have more benefits for consumers. These efforts would increase the likelihood of consumers adopting FCVs. However, this thesis suggests that the adoption of FCVs still looks unlikely and that fuel cell (FC) stakeholders should seek to concentrate their efforts towards applications of FCs that have viable market entry potential.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Ph.D.

Supervisor(s):