Taking the wheel: Systematic review of reviews of policies driving BEV adoption

Abstract

This study is motivated by the need to understand what the most appropriate policies are to promote battery electric vehicles (BEVs) in various countries around the world. A systematic review of reviews on policies promoting BEVs was conducted to synthesise knowledge on the relative effectiveness of various policies. This study addresses three limitations in existing research on policies to promote electric vehicles (EVs). Firstly, it disentangles findings for BEVs from that of other EVs. Secondly, it examines the relative effectiveness of these policies to find optimal policy mixes. Finally, it compares policy effectiveness across nations at various stages of economic development and EV adoption. Purchase subsidies and tax incentives were found to be highly effective policies to kickstart EV adoption but may not be as effective at later stages of the EV adoption and may not be an affordable policy for all countries. Some countries that led the way with such subsidies and tax incentives have now begun curtailing or ceasing them, and contrary to earlier reviews, without serious adverse effect on adoption rates. Policies supporting public charging infrastructure are crucial enablers that complement EV purchase subsidies but are important even without purchase subsidies in place. High-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lane access and toll waivers are the next most effective demand side policies, but only in cities where such incentives make sense and cents for consumers. Supply side policies, such as zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) mandates and vehicle emissions standards, must match or precede demand side policies to avoid bottlenecks and effectively drive uptake of BEVs in the earliest stage of adoption.