Driving the Narrative: Electric Vehicles (EV) on Social Media
Presentation Type
Poster Presentation
In Person or Zoom Presentation
In-Person
Campus
Daytona Beach
Status
Student
Faculty/Staff Department
College of Arts & Sciences
Student Year and Major
Senior, Human Factors
Presentation Description/Abstract
Electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers use social media to communicate environmental benefits and shape public perceptions of electric mobility. This literature review examines how these companies frame environmental sustainability, particularly greenhouse gas emissions reduction, and how their communication relates to consumer trust, brand image, and public acceptance of EVs. Drawing on peer-reviewed research, the review considers sustainability messaging, product education, brand storytelling, and consumer engagement as strategies for connecting environmental claims with everyday transportation decisions. Pricing, charging infrastructure, and driving range are examined as practical considerations that may reinforce or complicate these messages. The review also explores how customer feedback and electronic word-of-mouth support, question, or contradict corporate environmental claims. Rather than if vehicle electrification alone constitutes sustainable transportation, the review considers how corporate messaging addresses or overlooks broader environmental and transportation-system concerns. It seeks to identify common communication strategies and gaps in understanding their influence on public perceptions of EV sustainability. Overall, this is intended to inform strategic communicators, sustainability professionals, and consumer educators seeking to communicate the environmental benefits and limitations of electric mobility more clearly.
Keywords
electric vehicle, stem education, engineering competition
Driving the Narrative: Electric Vehicles (EV) on Social Media
Electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers use social media to communicate environmental benefits and shape public perceptions of electric mobility. This literature review examines how these companies frame environmental sustainability, particularly greenhouse gas emissions reduction, and how their communication relates to consumer trust, brand image, and public acceptance of EVs. Drawing on peer-reviewed research, the review considers sustainability messaging, product education, brand storytelling, and consumer engagement as strategies for connecting environmental claims with everyday transportation decisions. Pricing, charging infrastructure, and driving range are examined as practical considerations that may reinforce or complicate these messages. The review also explores how customer feedback and electronic word-of-mouth support, question, or contradict corporate environmental claims. Rather than if vehicle electrification alone constitutes sustainable transportation, the review considers how corporate messaging addresses or overlooks broader environmental and transportation-system concerns. It seeks to identify common communication strategies and gaps in understanding their influence on public perceptions of EV sustainability. Overall, this is intended to inform strategic communicators, sustainability professionals, and consumer educators seeking to communicate the environmental benefits and limitations of electric mobility more clearly.