Environmental altruism, egoism, or hypocrisy? environmental awareness, emissions, and electric and hybrid vehicle adoptions

This study examines whether electric and hybrid vehicle (EHV) adoption is driven by environmental altruism, rational egoism, or structural factors, using U.S. state-level data from 2016 to 2019 and Fixed Effects estimation. The results show no evidence that Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) adoption is influenced by per capita greenhouse gas emissions or environmental awareness, which suggest that national policies, financial incentives, and fuel prices may be the primary drivers. Plug-in Electric Vehicles (PEV) adoption is strongly influenced by gasoline prices and charging infrastructure, with limited evidence of environmental altruism and no support for rational egoism. Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV) adoption is shaped by economic factors, with negative associations between environmental awareness and adoption, suggesting that some consumers may perceive PHEVs as an inadequate alternative to fully electric vehicles. The lack of a relationship between environmental attitudes and adoption across all EHV types suggests that environmental hypocrisy may play a role, as stated environmental concern does not consistently translate into purchasing behavior. However, practical barriers such as cost and infrastructure limitations may also explain this disconnect. These findings emphasize that structural and financial incentives are more effective than moral or environmental appeals in promoting EHV adoption.