Conference Agenda

We conduct a large-scale randomized controlled trial to examine the effects of time- and place-specific road pricing on travel behavior and driving externalities. Using financial incentives and a smartphone app automatically tracking participants' travel behavior across transport modes, we randomize about 3,000 drivers into control, road pricing, and road pricing with subsidy for walking and cycling groups. Results indicate a 5% reduction in driving externalities, with estimated price elasticity of driving ranging from -0.08 to -0.15. Reductions in driving were primarily observed among non-electric vehicle users during off-peak hours. We document evidence of mode shifting to biking in RPS. Furthermore, we investigate factors affecting changes in public support for a road pricing policy. Findings reveal that an information treatment about the expected benefits of road pricing and experience with road pricing combined with a subsidy both improve policy support for road pricing. These findings demonstrate the effectiveness of road pricing to reduce driving externalities and highlight the role of information provision and experience to increase public support.

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.

This paper examines the determinants of the spatial distribution of electric vehicle charging infrastructure in Germany, a key element in the transition to a low-carbon economy. Using postcode-level geographic data and regression analysis, we investigate how factors such as population density, road networks, local amenities, the number of fuel stations, and electric grid infrastructure influence the placement of electric vehicle chargers. Our findings indicate that population density, the number of fuel stations, and intersections of the electric grid significantly impact charger placement, with fast chargers predominantly located along major transportation corridors. Additionally, the availability of local amenities and electricity supply plays a critical role in the placement of normal chargers. These findings highlight the importance of well-planned urban charging networks, strategic placement along transport routes, and strong public-private partnerships to enhance electric vehicle adoption.

The implementation of the green shift relies heavily on supply of minerals and metals, and with the current geopolitical instability the geographic distribution of mineral deposits, and the social, economic and environmental conditions under which mining operations are performed becomes a concern. The USA and Australia are significant producers of metals and minerals important for the green shift, yet China dominates the market with production significantly exceeding that of the US and Australia combined. Amidst this global scenario, Norway emerges as a notable player, ranking third in geopolitical safety among countries with identified metals and minerals important for the green shift. However, the widespread use of submarine tailings disposal (STD) has the recent years provoked public reactions, including demonstrations and civil disobedience, and so far this has stopped plans for the reopening of a mine producing copper. This paper investigates potential drivers for the resistance towards mining activities using STD. We show that while beliefs about negative environmental impacts is not an important driver, use of area, assessment of mining operations using STD per se, and policy orientation are crucial to explain preference heterogeneity. In contrast to our expectations, use of the mining area made people more positive to increased mining activities. This is mainly due to the fact that local inhabitants are both less sceptical to mining operations using STD and believe that environmental impacts are not very negative. In addition, they are also better informed about the mining plans. However, there is willingness to pay to reduce negative environmental mining impacts, also among locals. These results can be used by regulating authorities and politicians when considering new mining operations.