Examining User-Range Interaction in Battery Electric Vehicles – a Field Study Approach

Abstract

In order to provide users with an optimal range-related user experience, it is essential to develop a comprehensive understanding of everyday user-range interaction. For this to happen, it is important to sample a high amount of situations where battery-electric vehicle (BEV) users must actively interact with the range resources of their BEV. The present contribution presents the methodology (i.e., a toolbox to study user-range interaction) and preliminary results of a field study that was designed to reach this objective: The BMW ActiveE long-distance commuter field trial in the area of Leipzig, Germany. Within this study, a sample of 75 customers was given the opportunity to drive a BEV for three months. Applicants were recruited via an online screening questionnaire. In order to be selected, participants had to drive at least 90 km per day. A comprehensive data set was generated based on qualitative interviews, questionnaires, diary methods, and data loggers. Relevant constructs were identified and translated into items/scales or specific score definitions. Initial results show that even users who have high daily mobility needs can cope with the limited range of a BEV. However, results also point to the potential of strategies aimed at supporting users in adapting to BEV range to reach an optimal user experience even under conditions of high range demand.

Keywords: battery electric vehicles, field study, user experience, behavior, range, methodology

DOI: 10.54941/ahfe100697