Using an electric car: A situated, instrumented and emotional activity

Motivation - The objective of the study was to specify how drivers deal with the autonomy of their car, be it traditional or electric, how they plan the recharge and how they check it while driving. Research approach - For the first part of the study on traditional cars use, we conducted 14 in-depth interviews and 344 questionnaires were filled. For the second part of the study on electric cars use, we lend an electric car to 9 subjects during two weeks; they filled a diary and videotaped the interesting events during the driving activity. Then they had 3 self-confrontation interviews to document their lived experience, based on the video and on the diaries. Findings/Design - People may have various emotional relations to the risk of breakdown, and it influences their activity and how they deal with the risky situations, especially in terms of anticipative conduct, reflexive instruments interpretation and avoidance. Research limitations - Qualitative study of VE use with 9 subjects Originality/Value - The research highlights the link between cognitive and affective aspects of situated activities. Take away message - the management of a risk depends on the affective relation to this risk, on the degree of uncertainty and on the instruments available to cope with it.