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Public Policy, Industrial Innovation, and the Zero-Emission Vehicle

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  • Eisler, Matthew N.

Abstract

Regulating environmental outcomes without stipulating the technologies to accomplish them is a characteristically American form of governmental intervention. This approach aims to encourage industry to address public-policy concerns while minimizing interference in its affairs. However, California's zero-emission-vehicle mandate of 1990 implied the development of specific technologies with highly disruptive sociotechnical effects. The most practical zero-emission vehicle of the day was the all-battery electric vehicle, a technology characterized by the temporal mismatch of its components. Batteries have shorter life-spans than electric motors, a durability dilemma that rewards battery-making. In response, General Motors and Toyota devised strategies to mitigate this risk that involved mediating the technology of the Ovonic Battery Company.

Suggested Citation

  • Eisler, Matthew N., 2020. "Public Policy, Industrial Innovation, and the Zero-Emission Vehicle," Business History Review, Cambridge University Press, vol. 94(4), pages 779-802, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:cup:buhirw:v:94:y:2020:i:4:p:779-802_6
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