Researchers at the Transportation Sustainability Research Center are conducting a research project on the feasibility of smart charging electric vehicle programs. You are invited to participate in this study.
Why is this study being done?
Electric vehicles sales are increasing rapidly due in part to technological improvements, recent state and federal policy, and lower costs for consumers. As electric vehicles are added to the roads, new challenges will arise regarding charging infrastructure and the ability of utilities to manage electricity demand. This study is being done to understand current and future charging behavior of current electric vehicle owners and lessees.
What will happen if I take part in this research study?
We will ask you survey questions related to your experience with electric vehicles and any associated V1G technology. The survey will include questions on your current driving behavior, your experience with electricity consumption, demographic information about you and your household, and opinions related to electric vehicles. A section of the survey will be devoted to asking questions related to a possible smart charging program for electric vehicles. If the survey includes questions you do not wish to or cannot answer, you may either choose to skip those questions, or you may choose not to participate in the study. All pieces of personal information and personal information of others will be kept as confidential as possible. You may fill out the survey at a time and place of your choosing.
Are there restrictions to who can participate?
All participants must be 18 years or older. Only one survey is allowed per participant and only one survey is allowed per household.
How long will I be in the research study?
The survey will take approximately 20 minutes.
Are there any potential benefits if I participate?
Participants will not directly benefit from the research. However, the results of the research may contribute to an improved understanding of individuals’ behavior surrounding charging of electric vehicles.
Will I be compensated for my time?
You will be compensated by your panel provider.
Are there any other parts to this research?
Currently, there are no other aspects of this research that would require or offer an option to continue participation.
Are there any potential risks or discomforts that I can expect from this study?
Questions for the survey are not intended to lead to discomfort as they do not contain any sensitive topics. There is a risk of a breach of confidentiality. This risk has been minimized by using encrypted password-protected data storage and by omitting exact street addresses in any publications or reports on the research.
Will information about me and my participation be kept confidential?
Your information will be kept as confidential as possible. Confidentiality will be maintained by using encrypted password-protected data storage on the web. Researchers at the Transportation Sustainability Research Center will have access to this data. Participants should close the webpage after they have finished the survey in order to protect their privacy. Confidentiality cannot be guaranteed since data will be transmitted online and data will be stored online.
How long will data be retained?
Data will be retained for a minimum of three years after the last survey has been conducted.
What are my rights if I take part in this study?
• You can choose whether or not you want to be in this study, and you may withdraw your consent and discontinue participation at any time. Participation in research is completely voluntary.
• Whatever decision you make, there will be no penalty to you or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
• You may refuse to answer any questions that you do not want to answer and still remain in the study.
Whom can I contact if I have questions about this study?
• The research team:
If you have any questions, comments or concerns about the research, you can talk to one of the researchers. Please contact:
Adam Stocker, Survey Researcher – Primary contact
adstocker@berkeley.edu
Emily Farrar, Survey Researcher
emily_farrar@berkeley.edu
Susan Shaheen, Co-Director of the Transportation Sustainability Research Center
sshaheen@tsrc.berkeley.edu or 510-642-9168
University of California, Berkeley Office for Protection of Human Subjects (OPHS):
If you have any questions or concerns about your rights and treatment as a research subject, you may contact the office of UC Berkeley's Committee for the Protection of Human Subjects, at 510-642-7461 or subjects@berkeley.edu or write to:
Office for Protection of Human Subjects
2150 Shattuck Avenue, Suite 300
University of California at Berkeley
Berkeley, CA 94704-5940
PARTICIPANT CONSENT
Print a copy of this page to keep for future reference. If you wish to participate in this study and you are 18 years or older, please return to the survey and click the button that says “Accept.”