Incentives for quick penetration of electric vehicles in five European countries: Perceptions from experts and stakeholders

Abstract

On the basis of 143 responses from experts and stakeholders from Germany, Austria, Spain, the Netherlands and the UK, we assess the perceived impact of a range of incentives for the uptake of electric vehicles (EVs). We find that the incentive that most respondents consider to have a positive impact is the development of charging infrastructure, with 75% stating so. This is followed by purchase subsidies, to narrow the difference in price of an EV and that of an internal combustion engine vehicle, with 68% of respondents stating that they have a strong or at least a partial positive impact. Pilot/trial/demonstrations of EVs, to expose potential buyers to EVs, are also perceived to have a positive effect, with 66% of respondents stating so. Tax incentives, which like purchase subsidies, narrow the gap between the total operating cost of an EV and that of a conventional vehicle, are also perceived to have a positive impact by 65% of respondents. Other incentives that are perceived to have a positive influence include climate change and air quality policies, consumer information schemes and differential taxation applied to various fuels and energy vectors. KeywordsElectric vehicles. Climate change. Air pollution. Charging infrastructure. Purchase subsidies. Tax incentives. HighlightsWe conduct a questionnaire on incentives for EV uptake with 143 experts and stakeholders from Germany, Austria, Spain, the Netherlands and the UK. 75% of respondents perceive charging infrastructure to have a positive impact. 68% of respondents perceive purchase subsidies to have a positive impact. 66% of respondents perceive pilot/trial/demonstrations to have a positive impact. 65% of respondents perceive purchase tax incentives to have a positive impact.

Investigation of the Impact of Large-Scale Integration of Electric Vehicles for a Swedish Distribution Network

“…This demands higher power grid investments in neighborhoods with educated citizens. For EU countries, and especially for Germany, Austria, Spain, Netherlands and the UK [22], subsidies and tax reductions for EVs have created a smooth environment for increasing their penetration. In China, electromobility is rapidly expanding [23] and this strains the networks, which however, are also under radical development.…”

A Charging Location Choice Model for Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle Users

“…Charging price, charging price tariff, the initial state of charge (SOC), dwell time, charging power, the density and size of public charging stations, the total number of public charging, vehicle kilometer travel (VKT) of the current trip and current day are the main predictors when choosing the charging location. Findings of this study may provide new insights into the operational strategies of the public charging station as well as the deployment of public charging facilities in urban cities.Sustainability 2019, 11, 5761 2 of 23 electrification through considerable investments in consumer incentives, charging infrastructures as well as technology research and development [4,5]. In order to promote the usage and adoption of EVs, Shanghai had made great investments to subsidize EV consumers and manufacturers, offered free and specific license plate, built public charging stations, and offered purchasing tax deductions and exemptions and other non-monetary incentives (e.g., free usage restriction policy during peak hours) [6].…”

“…Sustainability 2019, 11, 5761 2 of 23 electrification through considerable investments in consumer incentives, charging infrastructures as well as technology research and development [4,5]. In order to promote the usage and adoption of EVs, Shanghai had made great investments to subsidize EV consumers and manufacturers, offered free and specific license plate, built public charging stations, and offered purchasing tax deductions and exemptions and other non-monetary incentives (e.g., free usage restriction policy during peak hours) [6].…”

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“…This same position was also maintained by the authors of [23] in research conducted on incentives for the electric vehicle, in this case in Colombia. At a higher level of analysis than the previous two studies, the authors of [24] came to the same conclusion: "tax incentives cause a rapid penetration of the electric vehicle" in five European countries (Germany, Austria, Spain, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom).…”