Electric vehicle use and its influence on travel behaviour in Malta

Abstract

The use of Electric Vehicles (EVs) has long been encouraged to enhance environmental sustainability. This is because as opposed to conventional vehicles, EVs produce no exhaust gas emissions from their tailpipes and can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, particularly if the electricity is produced from renewable energy sources. While many studies suggest the widespread use of EVs due to its benefits on the environment, other studies suggest the opposite. This is because the benefits of EVs have raised some concerns as switching from an ICEV to an EV may alter the travel behaviour of its users. Therefore, this study analyses a variety of travel behaviour outcomes as it looks at how the use of EVs affects daily travel among EV users in Malta. This study explores whether the widespread use of EVs influences the travel behaviour of the driver as it compares the number of weekly trips performed by EV drivers as they transition from driving an ICEV to an EV. Through the distribution of a survey, the results suggest that EVs are perceived by the respondents to be more environmentally friendly than other transport modes. However, according to the results EV users make more trips when driving their EV. Overall, the major findings indicate that the widespread usage of EVs in Malta has an impact on EV users' travel patterns, which may in turn exacerbate Malta's ongoing issues with traffic congestion and parking shortages.