William Sierzchula

Bio: William Sierzchula is an academic researcher from Delft University of Technology. The author has contributed to research in topics: Electric vehicle & Market share. The author has an hindex of 8, co-authored 13 publications receiving 1089 citations. Previous affiliations of William Sierzchula include University of Wisconsin-Madison.

The competitive environment of electric vehicles: An analysis of prototype and production models

Abstract: This study analyzes the industrial dynamics of electric vehicles using product life cycle and eco-innovation concepts. A unique database of approximately 450 electric vehicle prototype and production models from 1991 to 2011 was collected and analyzed. This research largely focused on three factors that become fluid during a transitional era of ferment (the technology, the set of firms and the target market). Results show that since 2004, the number of companies producing electric vehicle (EV) models has substantially increased with startup firms comprising a majority of that growth. The variety of battery types used in EV models has expanded, largely through lithium-ion chemistries. Large incumbents and startup firms have targeted different consumer markets with their EV models. Startup firms developed EV models for niche markets (sports cars and low speed vehicles) while large incumbents generally developed EV models that are more in line with current customer demands.

Factors influencing fleet manager adoption of electric vehicles

Abstract: Research has identified several reasons why fleet managers are good candidates to be electric vehicle (EV) early adopters such as their intense usage and high automobile purchase rates. This expectation is supported by a recent study which found that to 2013, governments and private companies were responsible for a majority of global EV purchases. Using content analysis of fleet manager interviews and pilot project reports, this study investigated 14 US and Dutch organizations that adopted EVs from 2010 to 2013 to determine which factors influenced their purchase decisions. In addition, it also analyzed the reasons why these same firms did or did not expand their EV fleets. Fleet managers identified testing new technologies as being the overarching driver of their initial adoption of EVs. Organizations also noted several influential but secondary factors including lowering their environmental impact, government grants, and improving the organization’s public image. For organizations that decided to expand their EV fleets, the primary motivating rationales were firm-specific, including pursuing first-mover advantage, specialized operational capabilities, or a compelling business model.

Carsharing in a University Community: Assessing Potential Demand and Distinct Market Characteristics

Abstract: As of September 2007, more than 70 colleges and universities in the United States have partnered with carsharing organizations, and this market segment is expected to continue growing. To maximize the benefits of these partnerships, it is important to understand both the unique features of academic institutions as markets for carsharing and ways to predict university-based demand for carsharing services. A study was done to estimate the potential carsharing market at the University of Wisconsin-Madison by (a) using a stated preference survey to collect information on university affiliates' transportation habits and carsharing preferences, (b) developing a set of probabilistic models of willingness to join a carsharing program based on the stated preference survey data, and (c) applying these models to predict the potential market share under different conditions. Through this process, the relative impact of respondents' socioeconomic characteristics, current travel habits, attitudes on transportation and ...

Batteries and fuel cells for emerging electric vehicle markets

Abstract: Today’s electric vehicles are almost exclusively powered by lithium-ion batteries, but there is a long way to go before electric vehicles become dominant in the global automotive market. In addition to policy support, widespread deployment of electric vehicles requires high-performance and low-cost energy storage technologies, including not only batteries but also alternative electrochemical devices. Here, we provide a comprehensive evaluation of various batteries and hydrogen fuel cells that have the greatest potential to succeed in commercial applications. Three sectors that are not well served by current lithium-ion-powered electric vehicles, namely the long-range, low-cost and high-utilization transportation markets, are discussed. The technological properties that must be improved to fully enable these electric vehicle markets include specific energy, cost, safety and power grid compatibility. Six energy storage and conversion technologies that possess varying combinations of these improved characteristics are compared and separately evaluated for each market. The remainder of the Review briefly discusses the technological status of these clean energy technologies, emphasizing barriers that must be overcome. Recent years have seen significant growth of electric vehicles and extensive development of energy storage technologies. This Review evaluates the potential of a series of promising batteries and hydrogen fuel cells in their deployment in automotive electrification.

Rapidly falling costs of battery packs for electric vehicles

Abstract: A systematic analysis reveals a steep decline in the costs of battery packs for electric vehicles, with market-leading manufacturers setting the pace.

Electrically Rechargeable Zinc–Air Batteries: Progress, Challenges, and Perspectives

Abstract: Zinc-air batteries have attracted much attention and received revived research efforts recently due to their high energy density, which makes them a promising candidate for emerging mobile and electronic applications. Besides their high energy density, they also demonstrate other desirable characteristics, such as abundant raw materials, environmental friendliness, safety, and low cost. Here, the reaction mechanism of electrically rechargeable zinc-air batteries is discussed, different battery configurations are compared, and an in depth discussion is offered of the major issues that affect individual cellular components, along with respective strategies to alleviate these issues to enhance battery performance. Additionally, a section dedicated to battery-testing techniques and corresponding recommendations for best practices are included. Finally, a general perspective on the current limitations, recent application-targeted developments, and recommended future research directions to prolong the lifespan of electrically rechargeable zinc-air batteries is provided.

Advances in consumer electric vehicle adoption research: A review and research agenda

Abstract: In spite of the purported positive environmental consequences of electrifying the light duty vehicle fleet, the number of electric vehicles (EVs) in use is still insignificant. One reason for the modest adoption figures is that the mass acceptance of EVs to a large extent is reliant on consumers’ perception of EVs. This paper presents a comprehensive overview of the drivers for and barriers against consumer adoption of plug-in EVs, as well as an overview of the theoretical perspectives that have been utilized for understanding consumer intentions and adoption behavior towards EVs. In addition, we identify gaps and limitations in existing research and suggest areas in which future research would be able to contribute.