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Mapping, understanding and reducing belief in misinformation about electric vehicles

Author

Listed:
  • Christian Bretter

    (The University of Queensland)

  • Samuel Pearson

    (The University of Queensland)

  • Matthew J. Hornsey

    (The University of Queensland)

  • Sarah MacInnes

    (The University of Queensland)

  • Kai Sassenberg

    (Leibniz-Institut for Psychology
    Trier University)

  • Belinda Wade

    (The University of Queensland)

  • Kevin Winter

    (University of Hohenheim)

Abstract

Misinformation about electric vehicles (EVs) poses significant challenges to the global transition to energy efficient transportation. We investigated the prevalence of misinformation about EVs, predictors of misinformation endorsement and two potential interventions for reducing its impact. Surveys across four countries (Studies 1 and 2, N = 6,341) revealed that more respondents agreed with misinformation statements about EVs than disagreed with them. Conspiracy mentality emerged as the strongest predictor of such beliefs, whereas education played no role. In Study 3 (N = 1,500) we tested two interventions—a fact sheet and dialogues with artificial intelligence (ChatGPT)—for reducing belief in misinformation and increasing pro-EV policy support and purchase intentions. Both strategies showed modest effectiveness immediately post-intervention, and positive effects on misinformation beliefs remained significant at a 10-day follow-up. Our results highlight the prevalence of EV misinformation, the role of mistrust in shaping it and the potential for conventional and novel informational strategies to reduce it.

Suggested Citation

  • Christian Bretter & Samuel Pearson & Matthew J. Hornsey & Sarah MacInnes & Kai Sassenberg & Belinda Wade & Kevin Winter, 2025. "Mapping, understanding and reducing belief in misinformation about electric vehicles," Nature Energy, Nature, vol. 10(7), pages 869-879, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natene:v:10:y:2025:i:7:d:10.1038_s41560-025-01790-0
    DOI: 10.1038/s41560-025-01790-0
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