Summary
- Survey conducted by Economist Impact on mobility preferences of young people in urban areas
- Majority of respondents willing to change travel habits to reduce CO2 pollution
- Expected increase in EV ownership, especially in emerging cities
- New Delhi, Manila, and Riyadh residents show urgency in adopting EVs due to environmental concerns
- Nissan emphasizes the importance of making EV adoption practical and cost-effective, leveraging data-driven research and innovation
Article
Economist Impact conducted a survey on the mobility preferences of young urban residents aged 18-30 in 15 global cities, commissioned by Nissan. The survey revealed that 57% of respondents were willing to change their travel habits to reduce CO2 pollution, but only 40% supported policies that made polluting transportation sources more expensive. In emerging cities, 44% of respondents expected to be driving electric vehicles (EVs) within 5 years, compared to 31% in developed cities. While 23% currently own EVs, the survey predicted this ownership would increase to over 35% in the next decade, in line with growing interest in EV adoption driven by environmental concerns.
Residents of cities like New Delhi, Manila, and Riyadh see environmental issues as urgent and support EV adoption, fueled by government incentives. Nissan’s corporate vice president of Global Communications, Lavanya Wadgaonkar, emphasized the importance of making EV adoption seamless, practical, and cost-effective for long-term success. The company, known for its Nissan LEAF electric vehicle, aims to leverage data-driven research and innovation to make electrification a core component of the transportation landscape. While Nissan was a leader in EVs, it faced a decline after Carlos Ghosn’s exit, but is now showing renewed interest in regaining a leadership position in the EV market.
The survey results indicated a significant surge in preference for EV ownership over the next 10 years, highlighting the evolving landscape of mobility preferences. Despite the optimistic outlook for EV adoption within the survey timeframe, technological transitions can often unfold faster than anticipated. The survey included cities such as Bangkok, London, New York, Shanghai, and Toronto, with varying levels of EV market penetration. While China leads in EV market share, other countries represented in the survey have lower adoption rates, indicating the diverse global landscape for EV penetration.
More than 40% of survey respondents expressed excitement about new EV technologies and recognized their potential to impact everyday life, including the ability to power external devices and store renewable energy. Respondents from emerging cities showed enthusiasm for utilizing EVs beyond mobility, such as sharing and transporting electricity during emergencies. While there is growing awareness about EVs, there is still room for increasing education and awareness about the benefits of EV technology. Nissan aims to continue its efforts in electrification and sustainable solutions to meet the evolving needs of consumers and contribute to a greener transport future.
The survey findings reflect a shifting trend towards EV adoption among young urban residents, driven by a growing awareness of environmental concerns and the desire to reduce carbon emissions. Despite some challenges in policy support and infrastructure development, the survey indicates a positive outlook for EV penetration in major global cities. As technology continues to advance and awareness increases, there is potential for further growth in the EV market and the transition towards sustainable mobility solutions. Nissan’s commitment to innovation and sustainability aligns with the evolving demands of young consumers, highlighting the importance of electrification in shaping the future of transportation.
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