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Propensity to Choose Electric Vehicles in Cross-Border Alpine Regions

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  • Silvia Tomasi

    (Institute for Renewable Energy, Eurac Research, Via A.Volta 13/A, 39100 Bolzano, Italy
    Faculty of Economics and Management, Free University of Bozen-Bolzano, Piazza Università 1, 39100 Bolzano, Italy)

  • Alyona Zubaryeva

    (Institute for Renewable Energy, Eurac Research, Via A.Volta 13/A, 39100 Bolzano, Italy)

  • Cesare Pizzirani

    (UBM Consulting Bologna, Via Goito 3, 40126 Bologna, Italy)

  • Margherita Dal Col

    (UBM Consulting Bologna, Via Goito 3, 40126 Bologna, Italy)

  • Jessica Balest

    (Institute for Renewable Energy, Eurac Research, Via A.Volta 13/A, 39100 Bolzano, Italy)

Abstract

Electric vehicles (EVs) are low-carbon innovations that decrease emissions in transportation. Understanding what drives individual propensity to choose EVs supports policymakers in shaping effective low-carbon mobility policies. Within the MOBSTER Interreg project, data were collected using a survey administered to residents in three Alpine cross-border regions—Canton Ticino (Switzerland), South Tyrol (Italy), and Verbano-Cusio-Ossola (Italy)—and were analyzed with a logistic regression. This study reports on the relevant drivers of EV uptake, showing (i) that some sociodemographic attributes positively impact the propensity to choose an EV (e.g., young age and teenage children), (ii) that the presence and visibility of charging infrastructures are important, and (iii) that the role of tourism is not a driver of EV uptake. This study confirms that policies should consider sociodemographics, social practices, and physical infrastructures as playing roles in EV uptake. Future research should address the issue of access to low-carbon innovations for all.

Suggested Citation

  • Silvia Tomasi & Alyona Zubaryeva & Cesare Pizzirani & Margherita Dal Col & Jessica Balest, 2021. "Propensity to Choose Electric Vehicles in Cross-Border Alpine Regions," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(8), pages 1-20, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:8:p:4583-:d:539794
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