FYI: A new study reveals that electric vehicle drivers in Sweden take longer trips more frequently than those with combustion engines.
Study Finds Sweden’s EV Drivers Prefer Long Trips Over ICE Vehicle Owners
Recent research from the Swedish social research firm Sifo, alongside charging box manufacturer Zaptec, has uncovered a surprising trend: electric vehicle (EV) drivers in Sweden tend to embark on longer journeys more frequently than their combustion-powered car counterparts. These findings echo similar insights from Statistics Norway’s Traffic Analysis.
Study Overview
The study involved a comprehensive survey of 2,114 participants, with 1,082 driving internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles and 1,032 operating either EVs or plug-in hybrids. Participants ranged in age from 18 to 79 years old, providing a broad spectrum of insights across different demographics.
Key Findings
-
Range Anxiety:
- EV Owners: 54% reported rarely or never experiencing range anxiety.
- ICE Drivers: 45% cited range anxiety as the primary reason for not switching to electric vehicles.
- Journey Lengths:
- EV Drivers: 31% reported taking trips longer than 20 miles one way at least 11 times per year.
- ICE Drivers: Only 19% took trips of similar length with the same frequency.
These statistics underline a growing confidence and comfort in EVs for extended travel.
Comparative Analysis
The findings align closely with data from Statistics Norway’s Traffic Analysis presented by Tesla Club Sweden, which showed:
- Private EV Drivers: Drive an average of 1,311 miles per year.
- Gasoline Car Owners: Averaged 878 miles per year.
- Diesel Car Owners: Drove around 1,364 miles annually.
Why EVs Excel in Long-Distance Travel
Several factors contribute to the trend of longer trips in EVs:
- Reduced Driver Fatigue: EVs operate quietly and often feature more comfortable cabin environments.
- Advanced Driver Assistance Systems: Vehicles like Tesla’s Model S, 3, X, and Y equipped with Basic Autopilot ease the strain of long drives.
- Charging Infrastructure: Improved access to charging stations makes planning long trips more convenient.
Conclusion
The shift towards favoring electric vehicles for long distances sheds light on the evolving landscape of automotive preferences in Sweden. With growing confidence in the capabilities of EVs, it’s likely that this trend will continue to rise.
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Authored by William Kouch, Editor of Automotive.fyi
