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Deciphering the impact of electric vehicles on carbon emissions: Some insights from an extended STIRPAT framework

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  • Tao, Miaomiao
  • Lin, Boqiang
  • Poletti, Stephen

Abstract

This study examines the factors influencing global carbon dioxide emissions using an expanded STIRPAT framework, employing a balanced panel dataset covering 26 countries globally from 2009 to 2023. We uniquely highlight the relationships between carbon emissions and variables such as electric vehicle adoption, economic growth, population density, green technological advancements, and renewable energy utilization. Employing the Method of Moments Quantile Regression (MMQR) approach, we argue that electric vehicle adoption significantly elevates carbon emissions across all quantiles. Conversely, green innovation, the proportion of renewable energy consumption, and higher population density contribute to reducing emissions. Further investigation indicates that the potential of electric vehicles to mitigate carbon emissions is realized only when the share of renewable energy generation exceeds a critical threshold.

Suggested Citation

  • Tao, Miaomiao & Lin, Boqiang & Poletti, Stephen, 2025. "Deciphering the impact of electric vehicles on carbon emissions: Some insights from an extended STIRPAT framework," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 316(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:energy:v:316:y:2025:i:c:s036054422500115x
    DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2025.134473
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