The impact of personalised digital information on vehicle choices in developing countries

We assess the value of information provision in enabling potential buyers of vehicles to purchase more energy-efficient options in low-income and low-education contexts. Using a randomised controlled trial in Nepal, we test the impact of personalised information provision using a novel digital platform. Applying stated and revealed preference approaches, we find that providing information on five-year operating cost savings, compared to the fuel economy, improves the efficiency of motorcycles selected by respondents; these effects persist for individuals who exhibit certain forms of behavioural anomalies. Our study provides novel evidence on types of information provision that can influence the efficiency of vehicle choices in developing countries.