Temporal change analysis of public attitude, knowledge and acceptance of hydrogen vehicles in Greater Stavanger, 2006–2009

This study examines the trends of public opinions concerning the introduction of hydrogen vehicles in Greater Stavanger as well as public attitudes towards the natural environment over the course of the three-year period. This study is based on two surveys of the hydrogen highway project (HyNor) which were collected in the Greater Stavanger region, the west coast of Norway, between 2006 and 2009 (n=2000). The results of the study highlight that – despite an increased awareness of hydrogen vehicles – the proportions of those with pro-environment attitudes who support hydrogen vehicles’ introduction decreased between 2006 and 2009. The results reveal that knowledge about sustainable environment can affect hydrogen energyʹs acceptance whereas the level of pro-environment attitudes can increase not only public acceptance of hydrogen vehicles, but also peopleʹs willingness to pay for hydrogen fuels. These results were consistently found throughout the observed periods, based on the Greater Stavangerʹs case. A set of recommendations was discussed to improve public acceptance of hydrogen vehicles, and the next avenue of research regarding analysis of public acceptance and awareness about hydrogen vehicles was proposed.