Harvesting green miles from my roof

An investigation into self-sufficient mobility with electric vehicles

Conference paper (2015)

Authors

Jacky Bourgeois Open University
Stefan Foell Open University
Gerd Kortuem Open University
Blaine Price Open University
Janet Van Der Linden Open University
Eiman Y. Elbanhawy Open University
Christopher Rimmer E.ON UK plc.
Affiliation
External organisation
Sustainability User Study Data mining Microgeneration Electric vehicle Domestic Charging Solar Electricity
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Published Date

07-09-2015

Language

English

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External organisation

Abstract

Electric vehicles are an increasingly attractive option for households to reduce carbon emissions, especially when they are powered by renewable energy. In this paper we report the results of an 18-month field trial investigating the desirability and feasibility of powering electric vehicles (EVs) with domestic solar electricity. Based on extensive collection of data from 7 households including over 75,000 miles of daily EV use, home electricity consumption and generation, and in-depth interviews with householders we develop a detailed understanding of what drives EV decisions in households, quantify to what extent our participating households currently power their EVs with solar electricity, and investigate how feasible the vision of "self-sustaining electric mobility" is. We use this understanding to draw implications for future research into supporting emerging practices of EV drivers.