Characterizing Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle Consumers Who Found the U.S. Federal Tax Credit Extremely Important in Enabling Their Purchase

This is one of the few studies that examines the impact of the US Federal Tax Credit (FTC) on the adoption of plug-in electric vehicles (EVs). To better understand the role of the FTC, this research analyses survey responses from 3,452 recipients of California’s state-wide EV rebate (CVRP) who purchased a plug-in hybrid EV (PHEV) from November 2016 to December 2018. Most respondents (54%) rate the FTC as extremely important to their decision. Using logistic regression, the authors find that the top predictors of being in the FTC Extremes group are the financial savings of PHEVs and the availability of charging infrastructure. The importance of these factors paints a picture of the FTC Extremes group as being primarily motivated by the tangible, direct benefits of EVs as opposed to environmental benefits. 

Reposted with permission of the Electric Drive Transportation Association (EDTA).