Abstract
Understanding heavy-duty vehicle (HDV) fleet operator behavior with respect to the adoption of alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs) is critically important for accelerating the diffusion of these technologies, and for achieving societal benefits through reduced emissions and improved public health. However, fleet operator perspectives have thus far received limited attention, leaving a key knowledge gap. This study aims to fill this gap by exploring HDV fleet operator decisions about alternative fuel adoption using both existing literature and new empirical data. To this end, we first develop an initial theoretical framework of AFV fleet adoption behavior in organizations based on existing theories and literature. We then empirically improve the framework by investigating 20 organizations in California via in-depth qualitative interviews and project reports. A total of 29 adoptions and 42 non-adoption cases were probed across various alternative fuel technologies, including natural gas, propane, electricity, hydrogen, biodiesel, and renewable diesel options. Content analysis of the qualitative data yielded 38 motivators or barriers related to AFV adoption, encompassing perceived technological characteristics, organization characteristics, and external environmental influences. The study results contribute theoretically and empirically to a better understanding of the demand-side aspects of AFV adoption by HDV fleet operators, particularly in California and in the other US states that follow California’s environmental policies.
