Methods of evaluating electric vehicles from a user's perspective - The MINI E field trial in Berlin

In the present study the authors propose a methodological framework for user studies on electric vehicles (EVs) and present first results from a 1-year field study conducted in the Berlin metropolitan area. The objective of the current field study is to develop, adjust and apply psychologically founded methods of assessing the acceptance of EVs in everyday use. Based on these methods, it will be possible to identify factors influencing the acceptance of EVs and to outline changes, for example in attitudes or behaviour, of participants during their participation in test trials. Accordingly, we identified four pillars that are decisive in user evaluation of EVs: mobility, human-machine interaction (HMI), traffic and safety implications and acceptance. Results from the first study period indicate that a great part of daily mobility needs are satisfied although range of EVs is limited. Attitudes towards EVs are predominantly positive. As expected, ecological aspects such as CO₂ emissions play an important role in the evaluation of EVs.