Aston University assesses long-term electric vehicle use

Six months into the CABLED (Coventry and Birmingham Low Emission Demonstrators) trial, Aston University researchers have revealed that drivers are travelling more miles more frequently and are undertaking longer journeys – indicating increased confidence and notably reduced ’range anxiety’.

Cost-conscious prospective EV drivers may also be interested to learn that the average cost to trial participants recharging at home is between just 25 pence and £1 per day.

The data, analysed by the researchers, combines and compares the behaviour patterns of 25 Mitsubishi i-MiEV drivers over two consecutive quarters. The results form part of the CABLED project, which will see an overall total of 110 ultra-low-carbon vehicles from different manufacturers tested on the roads of Birmingham and Coventry as part of a £7.5m, year-long government scheme.

Aston has been using satellite mapping and computer technologies to collate journey data to give a greater understanding into consumer behaviour and to how individual EVs perform in a real-world environment. This data will also be used to map out a future network of electric charging points in order to further extend range and improve the convenience of EVs.