Abstract
In California, 38% of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions come from the transport sector, and 27% of these transport emissions come from passenger vehicles. To reach carbon neutrality by 2045, as directed under Executive Order B 55 18, electrification of passenger vehicles is required. To facilitate an equitable transition to electric vehicle technologies, policymakers must account for the diverse needs and challenges faced by residents in rural communities. Rural areas often have greater travel distances and a reliance on passenger vehicles, due to a lack of alternative modes. While rural areas account for only 7% of the state’s population, California policy decisions can be far reaching and serve as guidance for other states with higher rural populations. To better understand the unique barriers and opportunities for rural electric vehicle adoption, the research team conducted in-depth interviews with 35 rural owners of plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) across six counties in California. A PEV is an electric vehicle with a plug: either a battery electric vehicle (BEV) or a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). The study explored the owners’ travel behaviors, charging experiences, and motivations for PEV purchase. By centering on the experiences of current rural PEV users, the research offers insights into how infrastructure development, policy incentives, and outreach strategies can be better tailored to support equitable PEV adoption in rural communities
