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Spatial effects of charging infrastructure and socio-demographic factors on battery electric vehicle adoption: Evidence from an emerging market context

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  • Wengritzky, Zsuzsánna
  • Szabó, Tünde Petra
  • Dézsi-Benyovszki, Annamária

Abstract

This study investigates the infrastructural, socio-demographic, and economic determinants of battery electric vehicle (BEV) adoption in an emerging market context. Drawing on county-level sales data from Hungary between 2018 and 2022, we estimate a spatial panel model to account for spatial dependence in BEV registrations. Results show that government subsidies, the availability of fast-charging infrastructure, income, and tertiary student share exert significant positive effects on BEV uptake, with both direct and substantial spillover effects across neighboring counties. These findings are consistent with theoretical assumptions in studies from developed markets and offer empirical clarity on the role of infrastructure, where previous evidence has been mixed. Our results align with theoretical assumptions from developed markets and clarify the mixed evidence on infrastructure. They highlight the critical importance of fast-charging networks and targeted financial incentives, suggesting that prioritizing such measures can deliver both local and regional benefits and provide clear guidance for policymakers seeking to accelerate BEV adoption in emerging markets.

Suggested Citation

  • Wengritzky, Zsuzsánna & Szabó, Tünde Petra & Dézsi-Benyovszki, Annamária, 2026. "Spatial effects of charging infrastructure and socio-demographic factors on battery electric vehicle adoption: Evidence from an emerging market context," Transport Policy, Elsevier, vol. 176(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:trapol:v:176:y:2026:i:c:s0967070x25004652
    DOI: 10.1016/j.tranpol.2025.103922
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    JEL classification:

    • Q55 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Environmental Economics: Technological Innovation
    • C23 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Single Equation Models; Single Variables - - - Models with Panel Data; Spatio-temporal Models
    • R40 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - Transportation Economics - - - General
    • R48 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - Transportation Economics - - - Government Pricing and Policy

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