CONSUMERS’ PREFERENCE ON THE NEXT GENERATION VEHICLE IN LOCAL CITIES – A CASE OF HOKURIKU REGION –

Abstract

 This paper clarifies consumers’ preference on the next generation vehicle such as a fuel cell vehicle (FCV) and a battery electrical vehicle (BEV) in local cities. Main findings are as follows: i) Consumers’ knowledge on FCV and BEV is limited especially regarding lifecycle. ii) A preference on FCV is listed in order of “purchase price”, “fuel price”, “installation of hydrogen refueling station” and “cruising distance” in terms of degree of importance for purchase whereas BEV is listed in order of “fuel price”, “purchase price”, “cruising distance” and “installation of rapid charging station.” These differences reflect distinctive features of FCV and BEV. iii) Consumers who never prefer FCV and BEV in any cases account for 40.3%. The most popular reason for it is that “every performance of FCV and BEV should exceed the existing gasoline-powered vehicle.” It implies that it is essential to improve conditions based on the above-mentioned degree of importance.