Stated preference surveys for electric and alternative fuel vehicles: are we doing the right thing?

This perspective paper analyzes the practice of stated preference (SP) surveys for electric vehicles (EVs) and identifies a number of limitations in the way they are currently undertaken. Specifically, it is found that SP surveys may not adequately represent several dimensions that are relevant in the context of EVs purchase such as: garage ownership, second v. first car, and refueling conditions, and they often neglect transitory technologies (plug-in hybrid) which are in fact an important element in the diffusion of EVs. This paper also provides a number of recommendations for practitioners to conceivemore realistic SP surveys, which could increase the validity of policy recommendations formulated by applied economists.