The market potential for (plug-in) electric vehicles in Flanders: a choice-based conjoint analysis.

In this paper, the market potential of electric vehicles (EVs) in Flanders (Belgium) is forecasted with the use of a choice-based conjoint (CBC) analysis. In May 2011, a large-scale survey was conducted with nearly 1.200 respondents. The goal of the survey is twofold: predict the market potential of (plug-in hybrid) electric vehicles in Flanders and comprehend the perception of EVs within the region of Flanders. We conclude the vehicle cost parameters (purchase costs, yearly costs and travel costs) are the most important factors when consumers are in the process of buying a new vehicle. When looking at the forecasts, based on the CBC experiment, in 2020, pure electric vehicles could have a market share of around 6% of the newly sold vehicles in Flanders. PHEVs could have a market share of around 4%. In 2030, these figures could go up to respectively 17% and 19%.