New report published: mainstream market acceptance of Electric Vehicles (EVs) – a Micro to Macro Policy Level Investigation

Written by E-Mobility NSR partners Dr Richard Kotter (Northumbria University) and Dr Stephen Shaw (London Metropolitan University, Cities Institute), the report considers how the step change to mainstream market acceptance of Electric Vehicles (EVs) is being supported by macro-level policy to secure economic as well as environmental benefits.

Particular reference is made to the UK, where interventions include grants to purchase new plug-in cars and vans, tax exemptions, and match-funding from the government for 'Plugged-In Places': pilot schemes designed to stimulate innovation and development of EV infrastructure at the meso-level of areas within the country. 

There are also examples of local authorities outside the Plugged-In Places areas that have found other thematic and enabling ways to invest into E-mobility. This is supplemented by private sector commercial investment additional to and outside of the eight Plugged-In Places areas in the UK. It considers how the vision for each area is, in turn, being scaled down to the micro-level of streets and parking spaces. It also reports on the latest government policy to spread EV charging infrastructure around the country.

The report concludes that Local Authorities will play a leading role in developing a charging network that is comprehensive, inter-operable and easy to use. Working in collaboration with other key stakeholders, they must be equipped for two critical challenges:

- Scaling up to the 'bigger picture': to raise the confidence of EV users who wish to make longer trips (including low carbon journeys where EVs are part of the modes of transport), including transnational journeys through international transport hubs to/from other NSR countries via ferry ports, airports and the Channel Tunnel

- Scaling down to 'street level': to ensure that EV users, especially those who are less familiar with the locality, have the confidence to find publicly-accessible points, plug-in, and leave their vehicles charging 'Methodologies for Mutual Learning: a Digital Map Interface for Effective EV Infrastructure' - a supplementary paper to the main report - outlines methodologies to help stakeholders address these challenges and exchange good practice.

Find the report available for download in our info pool.

See also the supplementary paper to the main report:
"Methodologies for Mutual Learning: a Digital Map Interface for Effective EV Infrastructure" - outlines methodologies to help stakeholders address these challenges and exchange good practice.