Benchmarking and tailoring electric vehicle policies to stimulate adoption

Electric vehicle (EV) adoption is heralded as one of the most effective solutions for the decarbonization of road transport systems. However, the heterogeneous rate of EV adoption across geographies, coupled with observed or perceived slowdowns in consumer market acceptance, has raised concerns about this technology transition. Utilizing Rogers’ Diffusion of Innovations theory, this paper develops a key component of establishing an EV adoption policy roadmap: policy benchmarking. The policy roadmaps of leading countries in EV adoption, as well as those of countries where EV adoption is accelerating or expected to accelerate in the near term, are benchmarked to derive actionable insights. This benchmarking effort is presented in the context of a case study on developing an EV adoption policy roadmap tailored to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). While the resulting roadmap addresses the UAE’s local context and segmented consumer types, including early adopters and the “early majority,” the methodology employed provides a generalizable framework for policymakers in any geography seeking to advance EV adoption. Using a sociotechnical perspective, we evaluate the policy mechanisms for their ability to reduce friction points and propose recommendations applicable across diverse contexts. Our findings highlight the criticality of establishing necessary infrastructure, particularly for EV charging, alongside the importance of user awareness and education programs that are both tailored to local contexts and adaptable to global best practices. This approach underscores the potential for policymakers to create robust, enduring strategies that accelerate EV adoption globally.