Education

• BBA, Business Administration, First class honours, Simon Fraser University
• MRM, Resource Management, Simon Fraser University
• PhD, Transportation Technology and Policy, University of California, Davis

Updated CV (February 28^th, 2022)

Biography

Jonn Axsen employs interdisciplinary and mixed-method research approaches to identify solutions for today’s enormous environmental challenge: mitigating greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, of which almost a quarter arise from ground transportation. His research demonstrates that such solutions require an understanding of individual decision-making, social systems and culture, technology development, and public policy. As Associate Professor and Director of the Sustainable Transportation Research Team (START) at SFU, he applies a rigorous and comprehensive perspective to provide policy-relevant insights into sustainable transportation technology and practices, including electric vehicles and alternative forms of mobility, as well as other sustainable energy and environmental applications.

Professor Axsen was elected a member of the Royal Society of Canada in 2021. He has authored 70 peer-reviewed journal articles since 2009, 18 of which have been cited more than 100 times each. With an h-index of 43 and almost 6,000 citations, he places among the top five most-cited “sustainable transportation” scholars globally (Google Scholar, Feb 2022). He publishes in top field journals and high-impact cross-disciplinary journals such as Nature Climate Change, Nature Energy, Nature Sustainability, and Environmental Research Letters. Dr. Axsen was recently identified as the #3 top contributor to Transportation Research Part D: Transport and Environment in its 25 year history, a top journal in his field.

Professor Axsen is Associate Editor of Energy Research & Social Science (Impact Factor = 6.8) and serves on the US National Academies’ Transportation Research Board. Professor Axsen has also published dozens of stakeholder reports and delivered over 100 academic presentations. A selection of his most notable journal articles include:

1. A 2020 perspective piece on the policies needed to decarbonize road transportation globally (in Nature Climate Change)
2. A 2019 synthesis of research on users of electric, shared and automated vehicles (one of the most downloaded in the journal).
3. A 2018 review of "best practices" for social science research methods (most cited article in the journal).
4. A 2018 review of evidence for electric vehicle charging infrastructure (one of the most cited article in the journal).
5. A 2012 exploration of the role of social influence in electric vehicle adoption (award-winning, via the International Transport Forum).

Since receiving an “Outstanding PhD Dissertation in Transportation Technology and Policy” award and an Eno Fellowship for policy training in Washington DC in 2010, Professor Axsen’s groundbreaking research in sustainable transportation continues to attract international attention. In 2011, he was selected (out of submissions from 22 countries) to receive the Young Researcher of the Year Award from the OECD’s International Transportation Forum for, in the words of German Parliamentary State Secretary Jan Mücke, “opening up a new perspective on how e-mobility can be promoted.” His research program has secured almost $2 million in funding from national and international funding agencies and sponsors, including SSHRC, Translink, Tesla, NRCan, and the Pacific Institute of Climate Solutions. He regularly collaborates with stakeholders such as the United Nations, the David Suzuki Foundation, Clean Energy Canada and Equiterre.

Jonn’s publications include:   

          2022

• Bhardwaj, C., J. Axsen, and D. McCollum (2022). How to design a zero-emissions vehicle mandate? Simulating impacts on sales, GHG emissions and cost-effectiveness using the AUtomaker-Consumer model (AUM), Transport Policy, 117, 152-168.
• Long, Z., and J. Axsen (2022). Who will use new mobility technologies? Exploring demand for shared, electric, and automated vehicles in three Canadian metropolitan regions, Energy Research & Social Science, 88, 102506.

          2021

• Axsen, J. M. Wolinetz (2021). Taxes, tolls and ZEV zones for climate: Synthesizing insights on effectiveness, efficiency, equity, acceptability and implementation, Energy Policy, 156, 112457.
• Long, Z, Kitt, S., J. Axsen, (2021). Who supports which low-carbon transport policies? Characterizing heterogeneity among Canadian citizens, Energy Policy, 155, 112302.
• Bhardwaj, C., J. Axsen, D. McCollum (2021). Simulating automakers’ response to zero emissions vehicle regulation, Transportation Research Part D: Transport Policy, 94: 102789.
• Long, Z., C. Kormos, R. Sussman, J. Axsen (2021). MPG, fuel costs, or savings? Exploring the role of information framing in consumer valuation of fuel economy using a choice experiment, Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice, 146, 109-127
• Kitt, S., J. Axsen, Z. Long, K. Rhodes (2021). Trust in citizen acceptance of climate policy: Comparing perceptions of government competence, integrity and value similarity, Ecological Economics, 183, 106958.

         2020

• Axsen, J., P. Plotz and M. Wolinetz (2020). Crafting strong, integrated policy mixes for deep CO₂ mitigation in road transport, Nature Climate Change, 10, 809-818(2020).
  
• Axsen, J and M. Wolinetz (2020). Pricing it Right for Climate: Using Mobility Pricing to Drive Down Transport Emissions in Metro Vancouver and Montreal. Prepared for the David Suzuki Foundation, December 2020.
  
• Long, Z., J. Axsen, and S. Kitt (2020). Public support for supply-focused climate policy in the transport sector: Vehicle emissions, low carbon fuel, and zero-emissions vehicle standards in Canada and California, Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice, 141, 98-115.
  
• Manca, F., A. Sivakumar, N. Daina, J. Axsen, J. Polak (2020). Modelling the influence of peers’ attitudes on choice behaviour: theory and empirical application on electric vehicle preferences, Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice, 140, 278-298
  
• Bhardwaj, C., J. Axsen, F. Kern & D. McCollum (2020). Why have multiple climate policies for light-duty vehicles? Policy mix rationales, interactions and research gaps, Transport Research Part A: Policy and Practice, 135, 309-326.
  
• Brunner, T., and J. Axsen (2020). Oil sands, pipelines and fracking: Exploring citizen acceptance of unconventional fossil fuels in Canada, Energy Research & Social Science, 67, 101511.
  
• Axsen, J., Z. Long (2020). The present and future market for PEVs in Canada: Evidence from a mixed-method research program, in Who’s Driving Electric Cars: Understanding Consumer Adoption and Use of Plug-in Electric Cars. M. Contestabile, G. Tal and T. Turrentine, Springer International Publishing: 63-85. Book with the International Energy Agency.
• Melton, N., J. Axsen, B. Moawad, (2020). Which plug-in electric vehicle policies are best? A multi-criteria evaluation framework applied to Canada, Energy Research & Social Science, 64, 101411.
• Hammond, W., J. Axsen, and E. Kjeang (2020). How to slash greenhouse gas emissions in the freight sector: Policy insights from a technology-adoption model of Canada, Energy Policy, 137, 111093.
  
• Miele, A., J. Axsen, M. Wolinetz, E. Maine (2020). The role of charging and refuelling infrastructure in supporting zero-emission vehicle sales, Transportation Research Part D: Transport and Environment, 81, 102275.
• Sovacool, B., L. Williams, A. Martin, J. Axsen (2020). Humanizing hydrocarbon frontiers: The “lived experience” of shale gas fracking in the United Kingdom’s Fylde communities. Local Environment, 1-23.

          2019

• Plotz, Patrick, J. Axsen, S. Funke and T. Gnann (2019). Designing car bans for sustainable transportation, Nature Sustainability, 2, 534-536.
• J. Axsen, M. Wolinetz (2019). Shifting Gears: Climate Solutions for Transportation in Cities, Metro Vancouver case study. Prepared for the David Suzuki Foundation, November 2019.
• Long, Z., J. Axsen, & C. Kormos, (2019). Consumers continue to be confused about electric vehicles: Comparing awareness among Canadian new car buyers in 2013 and 2017, Environmental Research Letters, 14, 11.
  
• Long, Z., J. Axsen, I. Miller, & C. Kormos. (2019). Electric vehicles and automotive brand: How has Tesla shaped consumer perceptions? Transportation Research Part A, 129, 185-204.
• Axsen, J., and B. Sovacool (2019). The roles of users in shared, electric and automated mobility transitions, Transportation Research Part D: Transport and Environment., 71, 1-21.
       - Special Issue (20 articles) on The roles of users in low-carbon transport innovations: Electrified, automated, and shared mobility, guest edited by Jonn Axsen and Benjamin Sovacool.
• Kamiya, G., J. Axsen, and C. Crawford (2019). Short-term and long-term perspectives on plug-in electric vehicle GHG intensity, Transportation Research Part D: Transport and Environment, 69, 209-223.
  
• Long, Z, J. Axsen, C. Kormos, and S. Goldberg (2019), Latent-demand for zero-emissions vehicles in Canada (Part 1): Insights from a design space exercise, Transportation Research Part D: Transport and Environment, 67, 51-66.
  
• Kormos, C., J. Axsen, Z. Long, and S. Goldberg (2019), Latent-demand for zero-emissions vehicles in Canada (Part 2): Insights from a latent-class choice model, Transportation Research Part D: Transport and Environment, 67.
  
• Axsen, J (2019). Charging Forward: A Blueprint for Clean and Affordable Electric Cars in British Columbia – Recommendations to the Government of British Columbia on design of the zero-emission vehicle standard, Prepared for the David Suzuki Foundation, February 26, 2019.
• Hardman, S., P., Plotz, G. Tal, J. Axsen, E. Figenbaum, et al. (2019). Exploring the Role of Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles in Electrifying Passenger Transportation, Policy Guide, Prepared for the UC Davis International EV Policy Council, April 2019.
• Lajevari, M., J. Axsen, and C. Crawford (2019). Comparing alternative heavy-duty drivetrains based on GHG emissions, ownership and abatement costs: Simulations of freight routes in British Columbia, Transportation Research Part D: Transport and Environment, 76, 19-55.
  

        2018

• Sovacool, B., J. Axsen, and S. Sorrell (2018), Promoting novelty, rigor, and style in energy social science: Towards a code of practice for appropriate methods and research design, Energy Research & Social Science, 45, 12-42.
  
• Axsen, J, and M. Wolinetz (2018). Reaching 30% plug-in vehicle sales by 2030: Modeling incentive and sales mandate strategies in Canada, Transportation Research Part D: Transport and Environment, 65, 596-617.
  
• Sovacool, B. and J. Axsen (2018). Functional, symbolic and societal frames for Automobility: Implications for sustainability transitions, Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice, 118, 730-746.
  
• Lepitzki, J., and J. Axsen (2018). The role of a low carbon fuel standard in achieving long-term GHG reduction targets, Energy Policy, 119, 423-440.
  
• Hardman, S., A. Jenn, J. Axsen, G. Beard, et al. (2018). Driving the Market for Plug-in Vehicles: Understanding ZEV Mandates, Policy Guide, Prepared for the UC Davis International EV Policy Council, August, 2018.
  
• Hardman, S., T. Turrentine, J. Axsen, D. Garas, et al. (2018). Driving the Market for Plug-in Vehicles: Understanding Financial Purchase Incentives, Policy Guide, Prepared for the UC Davis International EV Policy Council, March, 2018.
  
• Hardman, S., G. Tal, J. Axsen, G. Beard, et al. (2018). Driving the Market for Plug-in Vehicles: Developing Charging Infrastructure for Consumers, Policy Guide, Prepared for the UC Davis International EV Policy Council, March, 2018.
  
• Axsen, J, J. Cairns, S. Goldberg and N. Dusyk (2018). What drives the Pioneers? Applying lifestyle theory to early electric vehicle buyers in Canada, Energy Research & Social Science, 44, 17-30.
  
• Hardman, S, A. Jenn, G. Tal, J. Axsen, G. Beard, N. Daina, E. Figenbaum, N. Jakobsson, P. Jochem, N. Kinnear, P. Plotz, J. Pontes, N. Refa, F. Sprei, T. Turrentine and B. Witkamp (2018), A review of consumer preferences of and interactions with electric vehicle charging infrastructure, Transportation Research Part D: Transport and Environment, 62, 508-523.
  
• Lajevari, M., J. Axsen, and C. Crawford (2018). Examining the role of natural gas and advanced vehicle technologies in mitigating CO₂ emissions of heavy-duty trucks: Modeling prototypical British Columbia routes with road grades, Transportation Research Part D: Transport and Environment, 62, 186-211.
  
• Wolinetz, M., J. Axsen, J. Peters, and C. Crawford (2018), Simulating the value of vehicle-grid integration using a behaviourally-realistic model, Nature Energy, 3, 132-139.
• Sovacool, B., L. Noel, J. Axsen and W. Kempton (2018). The neglected social dimensions to a vehicle-to-grid (V2G) transition, Environmental Research Letters, 13, 1.
• Peters, D., J. Axsen, A. Mallet (2018). The role of environmental framing in socio-political acceptance of smart grid: The case of British Columbia, Canada, Renewable & Sustainable Energy Reviews, 82, 1939-1951.
• Schmitt, M., L. Aknin, J. Axsen and R. Shwom (2018). Unpacking the relationships between pro-environmental behavior, life satisfaction, and perceived ecological threat, Ecological Economics, 143, 130-140.
• Dusyk, N., J. Axsen and K. Dullemond (2018). Who cares about climate change? The mass media and socio-political acceptance of Canada’s oil sands and Northern Gateway Pipeline, Energy Research & Social Science, 37, 12-21.

2017

• Axsen, J. (2017). How to get more electric vehicles on the road, The Conversation, December 12, 2017.
• Melton, N., J. Axsen, S. Goldberg, B. Moawad, M. Wolinetz (2017). Canada's ZEV Policy Handbook. Prepared with the Metcalf Foundation, December 2017.
• Sykes, M., and J. Axsen (2017). No free ride to zero-emissions: Simulating a region's need to implement its ownzero-emissions vehicle (ZEV) mandate to achieve 2050 GHG targets, Energy Policy, 110, 447-460.
• Pettifor, H., C. Wilson, J. Axsen, W. Abrahamse, and J. Anable (2017). Social influence in the global diffusion of alternative fuel vehicles – A meta-analysis, Journal of Transport Geography, 62, 247-261.
• Melton, N., J. Axsen, and S. Goldberg (2017), Evaluating plug-in electric vehicle policies in the context of long-term greenhouse gas reduction goals: Comparing 10 Canadian Provinces using the “PEV Policy Report Card”, Energy Policy, 107, 281-293
• Sovacool, B., J. Axsen, and W. Kempton (2017). The Future Promise of Vehicle-to-Grid Integration: A Sociotechnical Review and Research Agenda, Annual Review of Environment and Resources, 42.
• Axsen, J. (2017). Making electric vehicles happen in Canada. Policy Options, January 3, 2017.
  
• Axsen, J., B. Langman and S. Goldberg (2017). Confusion of Innovations: Mainstream consumer perceptions and misperceptions of electric-drive vehicles and charging programs in Canada, Energy Research & Social Science, 27, 163-173.
• Fox, J., J. Axsen and M. Jaccard (2017). Picking winners: Assessing the costs of technology-specific climate policy for U.S. passenger vehicles, Ecological Economics, 137, 133-147.
• Rhodes, K., J. Axsen, and M. Jaccard (2017). Exploring citizen support for different types of climate policy, Ecological Economics, 137, 56-69.
• Wolinetz, M., and J. Axsen (2017). How policy can build the plug-in electric vehicle market: Insights from the respondent-based preference and constraints (REPAC) model, Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 117, 238-250.

2016

• Axsen, J., S. Goldberg and N. Melton (2016). Canada’s Electric Vehicle Policy Report Card, prepared with the Metcalf Foundation, November 15, 2016.
• Melton, N., J. Axsen, and D. Sperling (2016). Moving beyond alternative fuel hype to decarbonized transport, Nature Energy, 1, 16013.
• Axsen, J., S. Goldberg, and J. Bailey. (2016). How might potential future plug-in electric vehicle buyers differ from current “Pioneer” owners?. Transportation Research Part D 47 (2016) 357-370.

2015

• Bailey, J. H. and, J. Axsen (2015). Anticipating consumer acceptance of utility controlled charging for plug-in vehicles, Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice, 82, 29-46.
• Axsen, J., J. H. Bailey, and M. Castro (2015). Preference and lifestyle heterogeneity among potential plug-in electric vehicle buyers, Energy Economics, 50, 190-201.
• Axsen, J. (2015). In climate policy, can public ignorance be bliss? Policy Options, January 2015.
• Bailey, H., A. Miele, and J. Axsen (2015). Is awareness of public charging associated with consumer interest in plug-in electric vehicles? Transportation Research Part D: Transport and Environment, 36, 1-9.
       Link to Press Release, Vancouver Sun, Global News and 24 Hours
• Rhodes, E., J. Axsen and M. Jaccard (2015). Gauging citizen support for a low carbon fuel standard, Energy Policy, 79, 104-114.

2014

• Axsen, J. (2014). Citizen acceptance of new fossil fuel infrastructure: Value theory and Canada’s Northern Gateway Pipeline, Energy Policy, 75, 255-265.
• Rhodes, E., J. Axsen and M. Jaccard (2014). Does effective climate policy require well-informed citizen support? Global Environmental Change. 29, 92-104.
• Wolinetz, M. and J. Axsen (2014). The Renewable and Low Carbon Fuel Requirement Regulation: Current Impacts and Future Potential of British Columbia’s Transportation Fuel Regulation, Report, Prepared by Navius Research for public release, August, 2014.
• Wolinetz, M. and J. Axsen (2014). B.C. clean fuel regulation works: Let’s keep it clean, clear cut and strong (Op-Ed), Vancouver Sun, September 24, 2014.
• Cusack, D., J. Axsen, R. Shwom, L. Hartzell-Nichols, S. White, K. Mackey (2014). Assessing climate engineering solutions as complements to mitigation: An interdisciplinary framework. Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment, 12(5), 280-287.
• Axsen, J., and K.S. Kurani (2014). Social influence and pro-environmental behavior: The reflexive layers of influence framework. Environment and Planning B, 41(5), 847-862.

2013

• Axsen, J., H. J. Bailey, and G. Kamiya (2013). The Canadian Plug-in Electric Vehicle Survey (CPEVS 2013): Anticipating Purchase, Use, and Grid Interactions in British Columbia, Preliminary Report (PDF), October 31, 2013. Survey documents.
• Axsen, J., C. Orlebar, and S. Skippon (2013). Observing social influence and consumer preference formation: The case of a U.K. workplace electric-vehicle trial. Ecological Economics, 95, 96-107.
• Axsen, J. and K. Kurani (2013). Hybrid, plug-in hybrid or electric—what kind of electric-drive vehicles do consumers want? Energy Policy, 61, 532-543. Link to Video Abstract.
• Axsen, J., and K.S. Kurani (2013). Connecting plug-in vehicles with green electricity through consumer demand, Environmental Research Letters, 8, 1-11. Links to Open Access PDF and Video Abstract.
• Axsen, J., and K.S. Kurani (2013). Developing sustainability-oriented values: Insights from households in a trial of plug-in hybrid vehicles, Global Environmental Change, 23 (1), 70-80.

2012

• Axsen, J., J. TyreeHageman, and A. Lentz (2012). Lifestyle practices and pro-environmental technology, Ecological Economics, 82, 64-74.
• Axsen, J., and K.S. Kurani (2012). Social influence, consumer behavior and low-carbon energy transitions, Annual Review of Environment and
  Resources, 37, 311-340.
• Axsen, J. and K.S. Kurani (2012). Who can recharge a plug-in electric vehicle at home? Transportation Research Part D, 17(5), 349-353.
• Axsen, J, and K.S. Kurani (2012). Interpersonal influence within car buyers’ social networks: Applying five perspectives to plug-in hybrid vehicle drivers, Environment and Planning A, 44(5), 1047-1065.

2011

• Axsen, J., C. Yang, R. McCarthy, A. Burke, K. Kurani, and T. Turrentine (2011), The Plug-in Electric Vehicle Pathway, in Sustainable Transportation Energy Pathways: A Research Summary for Decisionmakers, Eds. Joan Ogden and Lorraine Anderson, 38-63.
• Axsen, J., K.S. Kurani, R. McCarthy and C. Yang (2011). Plug-in hybrid vehicle GHG impacts in California: Integrating consumer-informed recharge profiles with an electricity-dispatch model, Energy Policy, 39(3), 1617-1629.
• Axsen, J., and K.S. Kurani (2011). Interpersonal influence in the early plug-in hybrid market: Observing social interactions with an exploratory multi-method approach, Transportation Research Part D: Transport and Environment, 16(2), 150-159.
• Axsen, J. (2011). B.C. government’s plan to construct three LNG plants counters CO₂ reduction efforts (Op-ed), Vancouver Sun, November 14, 2011.

2010

• Axsen, J, and K.S. Kurani (2010). Anticipating plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV) energy impacts in California: Constructing consumer-informed recharge profiles, Transportation Research Part D: Transport and Environment, 15(4), 212-219.
• Axsen, J, K.S. Kurani, and A. Burke (2010). Are batteries ready for plug-in hybrids buyers? Transport Policy, 17 (3), 173-182.
• Axsen, J, A. Burke, and K.S. Kurani (2010). Batteries for PHEVs: Comparing Goals and the State of Technology, in Electric and Hybrid Vehicles: Power Sources, Models, Sustainability, Infrastructures and the Market, Ed. Gianfranco Pistoia, Elsevier, ISBN 978-0-444-53565-8.

2009

• Axsen, J., and K.S. Kurani (2009). Early U.S. market for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles: Anticipating consumer recharge potential and design priorities, Transportation Research Record: Journal of the Transportation Research Board, 2139, 64-72.
• Axsen, J., D. Mountain, and M. Jaccard (2009). Combining stated and revealed choice research to simulate the “neighbor effect”: The case of hybrid-electric vehicles, Resource and Energy Economics, 31 (3), 221-238.