Are alternative fuels considered a game changer? Benefit and barrier perceptions and the acceptance of alternative fuels for road transport

Abstract Background Replacing diesel and gasoline in combustion engines with fuels from renewable resources can reduce emissions in the transport sector. This study investigated public perceptions of alternative fuels to reveal potential adoption drivers and barriers for a successful introduction in road transport. Results The findings point towards a high acceptance of alternative fuels in road transport. Benefits for the environment and drivers were acknowledged, whereas barrier perceptions were comparably low. The acceptance of alternative fuels was affected by perceived environmental benefits and environment-related attitudes. Higher environmental awareness and perceived responsibility for environmental problems were related to higher acceptance, higher benefit perceptions, and lower barrier ratings. Conclusions Considering the key finding that environment-related attitudes and the perception of environmental benefits were factors positively impacting the acceptance of alternative fuels, communication concepts should be designed to inform transparently and comprehensibly about the environmental effects of alternative fuels. Where applicable and possible, fuel design should reduce user-perceived barriers—such as high costs and infrastructure incompatibility. Policy making should furthermore support planning security via long-term framework design in order to enable heightened fuel adoption and positive climatic impacts of alternative fuels.