ZEV-UP’s insights on user needs and market trends

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ZEV-UP is developing an innovative and user-centric Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) catering to diverse needs. To achieve the ambitious goal of revolutionising electric mobility and make the ZEV-UP vehicle a success, understanding user needs and preferences and the factors influencing the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) is crucial. Our project partners LEEDS, VEDE, AVERE, RHOE, AKKA, UCT, and CERTH have been researching these aspects to shape the future of sustainable transport.

ZEV-UP is making progress in the development of its frugal vehicle concept. The ZEV-UP vehicle aims to be an affordable, compact, and modular solution, designed with both passenger and goods transport in mind. By focusing on the actual needs of users, we are paving the way for broader market adoption of zero-emission vehicles.

A critical part of this development involves a detailed analysis of the current and future market landscape for BEVs to ensure user acceptance and the affordability of the ZEV-UP vehicle and gain a better understanding of the key drivers and barriers to the adoption of frugal BEVs. Our partners examined relevant regulations, standards, legislation, and frameworks, particularly within the European Union, and explored the life cycle of frugal BEVs considering reusable components and sustainable materials.

Review of BEV concepts

As a first step, the project partners evaluated various user-centric BEV concepts, including small electric two-seaters, higher-value four-seaters, and commercial variants. These evaluations considered aspects such as classification, body style, price, technical specifications, and design features, with an emphasis on practicality and cost-effectiveness for urban and business uses. Most of the reviewed electric two-seaters were priced between €10,000 and €17,000, with driving ranges of 0-150 km, top speeds of 80-90 km/h, and four out of ten studied vehicles featuring portable batteries. Design features include materials like aluminium and high-strength steel, innovative roof designs, smart storage solutions and ample trunk space, and functional dashboards with smart touch screens. Higher-value four-seaters, mainly hatchbacks, reflect a preference for versatile and compact electric vehicles combining space, utility, and eco-friendliness. BEVs span multiple price ranges, have top speeds between 100 and 150 km/h, and a driving range of 200-400 km. They use lightweight materials like aluminium and carbon fibre, space frame chassis designs, and advanced battery management systems to enhance performance and efficiency. Partners also review electric commercial vehicles, which were categorised in two main types: cargo box models and cargo van models. Cargo box models, with ranges of 100-350 km and speeds of 48-90 km/h, are more cost-effective, while cargo van models are typically higher in cost and offer ranges from 87 km to 409 km and maximum speeds from 80 km/h to 145 km/h. These vehicles offer flexible seating and spacious cargo areas with modular designs features including secure materials, various storage compartments, electrical outlets, USB ports, and wireless connectivity.

Factors influencing user acceptance

To understand the factors influencing user acceptance, ZEV-UP conducted extensive studies and surveys. These took into account a range of factors based on demographic, situational, contextual, and psychological aspects, such as current regulations and legislations, societal norms and cultural values, financial factors, vehicle specifications, and social influence, among others. Key factors highlighted by the study include parking facilities, charging infrastructure, driving license restrictions, and total cost of ownership (TCO), particularly for frugal EVs.

Affordability emerged as the most important aspect for commercial companies and private users. For commercial users, reducing operational costs and increasing charging infrastructure accessibility are top priorities. For private users, the ZEV-UP survey highlighted the charging infrastructure, range, cost, and operational benefits as the most significant factors influencing the acceptance of EVs. Improving charging time, range, and vehicle safety is therefore critical to increase user acceptance and are key focus points of the ZEV-UP vehicle. Overall, these insights underscore the need for targeted strategies to address these concerns and emphasises the importance of continued investment in charging infrastructure and technological advancements to accelerate the transition to electric commercial vehicles.

Life Cycle Assessment and business models

The ZEV-UP team employed the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) approach to analyse the environmental and economic impacts of BEVs across six phases: manufacturing, transport, electricity production, operation, and disposal. A comparative LCA of three SUVs (i.e., Audi Q5, Lexus NX350h+, and Tesla Model Y) revealed that BEVs have a lower global warming potential but higher impacts in other environmental categories due to battery production. While BEVs have high initial costs, these are offset by lower operating costs over time. However, advancements in battery technology are crucial for maximising environmental benefits, which is a key focus of our project.

Our analysis also examined traditional and innovative business models and found that outright purchase of BEVs may be less appealing due to high upfront costs and depreciation risks. Nonetheless, innovative business models like subscription services and Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) offer greater flexibility and affordability for users. BaaS is particularly relevant, given the potential of swappable batteries, which will be developed by the project.

Overcoming barriers to EV adoption

Another important finding from our research highlights the technical, structural, demographic, and psychological factors that drive or hinder EV adoption. Long recharge times, high purchase costs, and perceived risks are notable barriers, while the main factors encouraging the uptake of electric vehicles encompass reducing charging times, offering financial incentives, and promoting positive attitudes towards frugality.

These key insights set the foundation for refining the ZEV-UP frugal concept, ensuring that our vehicle meets user needs and accelerates market visibility and adoption. As we continue to evolve our design based on these findings, we remain committed to making zero-emission electric mobility a reality.

More details can be found in the ZEV-UP Deliverable 1.1, which will soon be available on our website. Stay tuned for more updates!