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Effects of Vehicle Image in Gasoline-Hybrid Electric Vehicles

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  • Heffner, Reid R.
  • Kurani, Ken
  • Turrentine, Tom

Abstract

Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) have image, or symbolic benefits, in addition to their functionality. This study examines the images that ten HEV–owning households saw in their vehicles, and the impact symbolic benefits had on these consumers’ decisions to purchase HEVs. In general, all of the HEV owners perceived some image in their vehicles, although these images varied in their strength and significance. The majority of households saw their HEVs projecting images that were linked to larger values, including social awareness, responsibility, and concern for others; others connected their HEVs to images of frugality and intelligent consumerism. HEVs served as communication mechanisms in all households, either by projecting their images or by stimulating owner evangelism. In addition, for a handful of participants, the symbolic benefits of their HEVs were significant enough to justify substantial functional compromises.

Suggested Citation

  • Heffner, Reid R. & Kurani, Ken & Turrentine, Tom, 2005. "Effects of Vehicle Image in Gasoline-Hybrid Electric Vehicles," Institute of Transportation Studies, Working Paper Series qt5gd4n9nc, Institute of Transportation Studies, UC Davis.
    • Handle: RePEc:cdl:itsdav:qt5gd4n9nc
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    2. Yeh, Sonia, 2007. "An empirical analysis on the adoption of alternative fuel vehicles:The case of natural gas vehicles," Institute of Transportation Studies, Working Paper Series qt2k09h787, Institute of Transportation Studies, UC Davis.
    3. Hardman, Scott & Shiu, Eric & Steinberger-Wilckens, Robert & Turrentine, Thomas, 2017. "Barriers to the adoption of fuel cell vehicles: A qualitative investigation into early adopters attitudes," Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice, Elsevier, vol. 95(C), pages 166-182.
    4. Agovino, Massimiliano & Ferraro, Aniello & Garofalo, Antonio, 2023. "Are green cars an optimal and efficient choice for motorists? Evidence from Italy," Transport Policy, Elsevier, vol. 141(C), pages 140-151.
    5. Sun, Shanxia & Delgado, Michael & Khanna, Neha, "undated". "Hybrid Vehicles and Household Driving Behavior: Implications for Miles Traveled and Gasoline Consumption," 2017 Annual Meeting, July 30-August 1, Chicago, Illinois 258502, Agricultural and Applied Economics Association.
    6. Yeh, Sonia, 2007. "An empirical analysis on the adoption of alternative fuel vehicles:The case of natural gas vehicles," Institute of Transportation Studies, Working Paper Series qt92h7g194, Institute of Transportation Studies, UC Davis.
    7. Sun, Shanxia & Delgado, Michael S. & Khanna, Neha, 2019. "Hybrid vehicles, social signals and household driving: Implications for miles traveled and gasoline consumption," Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 84(C).
    8. Yeh, Sonia, 2007. "An empirical analysis on the adoption of alternative fuel vehicles: The case of natural gas vehicles," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 35(11), pages 5865-5875, November.
    9. Wiedmann, Klaus-Peter & Hennigs, Nadine & Pankalla, Lars & Kassubek, Martin & Seegebarth, Barbara, 2011. "Adoption barriers and resistance to sustainable solutions in the automotive sector," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 64(11), pages 1201-1206.
    10. Egnér, Filippa & Trosvik, Lina, 2018. "Electric vehicle adoption in Sweden and the impact of local policy instruments," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 121(C), pages 584-596.
    11. Helveston, John Paul & Liu, Yimin & Feit, Elea McDonnell & Fuchs, Erica & Klampfl, Erica & Michalek, Jeremy J., 2015. "Will subsidies drive electric vehicle adoption? Measuring consumer preferences in the U.S. and China," Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice, Elsevier, vol. 73(C), pages 96-112.

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