Masters Theses

Date of Award

12-2024

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Major

Natural Resources

Major Professor

Benjamin Leard

Committee Members

Seong-Hoon Cho, Ricky X.Chen, Sreedhar Upendram

Abstract

This study aims to estimate the relationship between home-based charging availability and electric vehicle (EV) ownership using revealed preference methodology. Additionally, we seek to quantify the willingness to pay (WTP) for home-based charging annually over the lifespan of a vehicle. We use a discrete choice linear probability model to estimate the marginal effect of home charging availability on EV ownership. Our model considers household characteristics, income levels, and location. We calculate willingness-to-pay (WTP) for home-based charging in both monetary terms and equivalent foregone convenience based on an assumed hourly wage. We find that median-to-high income households exhibit a higher WTP for home-based charging. Low-income households have significantly lower WTP, reflecting differences in consumer valuation. The estimated annualized WTP for home-based charging ranges from $302 to $1,033 among low-income households and $1,913 to $13,868 annually for median income households. While the difference in magnitude for WTP for home-based charging infrastructure (HBCI) may seem significant, we estimate foregone convenience using an assumption in respondents’ hourly wage. We find the equivalent foregone time from not possessing home-charging infrastructure only results in a 1-10 hour weekly difference. Home-based charging infrastructure plays a crucial role in EV adoption. Policymakers, city planners, and private developers should all consider consumer WTP for HBCI when designing charging networks.

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