Beyond the urban commute: Why we should be powering up for electric vehicle holidays

Abstract

To date, most of the research considering adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) has focussed on their use in urban areas, and primarily for routine or habitual travel, such as commuting. This paper argues that any substantial adoption of EVs will see their use extend well beyond these relatively easy to forecast and manage trip profiles. Indeed, this paper argues that the real benefits of EV technology are in the use of EVs outside of urban areas and for less routine trips, such as those associated with domestic holidays. However, at present we know relatively little about how to maximise the benefits and minimise the costs of non-routine extra-urban EV trips. This paper sets out why we should explore EV holidays and outlines some of the early opportunities and challenges associated with such trips.