Battery electric vehicles in China: ownership and usage

Abstract Battery electric vehicles (EVs) (BEVs) are highly expected in China for reducing environmental emission in the transport sector because of BEVs’ zero emission during use and high energy efficiency. This chapter first reviews the current situations of EVs’ ownership and usage in China and then analyzes the attitude and purchase intention to BEVs by considering the impacts of various BEV ownership stimulation policies in China (such as license-plate lottery and BEV subsidies). Considering the limited cruising range of BEVs, this chapter further investigates the usage behavior of BEV drivers, by establishing a BEV drivers’ charging and route choice behavior model based on a stated preference data, for identifying influential factors. Finally, a charging choice model accommodating the charging demand estimation and locations of chargers is developed and estimated. All empirical studies are conducted in Beijing. Both behavioral and policy implications of estimation results are extensively discussed.