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Identification and Analysis of Barriers against Electric Vehicle Use

Author

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  • Madhusudhan Adhikari

    (Alternative Energy Promotion Center (AEPC), Kathmandu 44600, Nepal
    Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu 44600, Nepal)

  • Laxman Prasad Ghimire

    (Alternative Energy Promotion Center (AEPC), Kathmandu 44600, Nepal
    Technology Management, Economics, and Policy Program (TEMEP), Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 08826, Korea)

  • Yeonbae Kim

    (Technology Management, Economics, and Policy Program (TEMEP) and Graduate School of Engineering Practice, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 08826, Korea)

  • Prakash Aryal

    (Department of Chemical Engineering, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia)

  • Sundar Bahadur Khadka

    (Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu 44600, Nepal)

Abstract

Electric vehicles (EVs) can be considered an alternative technology to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the transportation sector. However, numerous barriers need to be overcome in this regard. This study is aimed at presenting the framework for the identification and analysis of barriers against the use of EVs. Then, the framework was applied to identify the challenges and rank them in order of importance against the diffusion of EVs in Nepal. Seventeen barriers were identified from previous studies, reports, policy documents, and interactions with experts. The identified barriers were classified into five categories: technical, policy, economic, infrastructure, and social. Then, a comparative survey was performed to obtain experts’ opinions on the identified barriers and the analytical hierarchical process was used to analyze and rank them. The results revealed that infrastructure, policy, economic, and technical barriers pose more pressing concerns than social barriers. The lack of charging stations, relatively higher purchase price of EVs compared to internal combustion vehicles, and poor long-term planning and goal setting on the part of the government were ranked as the top three barriers against EV uptake in Nepal. This framework can be applied to replicate the study in other countries, taking their inherent relevant factors into account.

Suggested Citation

  • Madhusudhan Adhikari & Laxman Prasad Ghimire & Yeonbae Kim & Prakash Aryal & Sundar Bahadur Khadka, 2020. "Identification and Analysis of Barriers against Electric Vehicle Use," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(12), pages 1-20, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:12:y:2020:i:12:p:4850-:d:371216
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