Abstract
Alternative fuel adoption by heavy-duty vehicle (HDV) fleets can bring substantial benefits to both current local communities and future generations by reducing air pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions. A better understanding of HDV fleet operator perspectives towards alternative fuels can serve as the basis for developing effective policy suggestions that aim to accelerate the diffusion of these innovative technologies throughout the entire vehicle market. This study attempts to identify the factors that have influenced the decision for alternative fuel adoption or non-adoption made by HDV fleet operators in California. Through 18 in-depth qualitative interviews, a total of 25 adoption and 41 non-adoption cases were investigated across various alternative fuel options. Content analysis of the interview data yielded that the primary and most common factors comprised functional suitability, environmental consciousness, availability of vehicles, and regulations. Other important but less common factors were overall costs, vehicle purchase price, fuel price, fuel infrastructure, vehicle reliability and safety, contracts with municipalities, and financial incentives. Based on the key factors identified, testable propositions were developed and seven major hypotheses are presented. The study results help gain a better grasp of the demand-side aspects of alternative fuel adoption in the HDV sector in California.