Conference Agenda

The transport sector stands as one of the largest energy consumers in Europe, grappling with significant challenges. To mitigate these issues, electric vehicles (EVs) have emerged as a promising and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional internal combustion engines powered by fossil fuels. EVs can drive the transition to a low-carbon transportation system, benefiting both passenger and freight transport. This study surveyed 446 Irish small and medium-sized enterprises to determine their vehicle preference among internal combustion engine vehicles, battery electric vehicles, and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. Using a discrete choice experiment (DCE) analysed through a mixed logit model, findings reveal that operational efficiency attributes outweigh upfront costs in driving preferences. Using the latent class analysis, we also show a clear segmentation of mainstream and niche classes of SMEs when the decision-making criteria are examined in detail, highlighting distinct priorities such as environmental sustainability versus cost-effectiveness. These insights underscore the need for tailored strategies by manufacturers and policymakers to address the specific priorities of commercial enterprises, particularly emphasising attributes that enhance operational efficiency.