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The Global Diffusion of Electric Vehicles : Lessons from the First Decade

Author

Listed:
  • Li,Shanjun
  • Wang,Binglin
  • Yang,Muxi
  • Zhang,Fan

Abstract

Electrifying the transportation sector is key to reaching the goal of carbon neutrality.This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of the diffusion of passenger electric vehicles based on detaileddata on model-level electrical vehicle sales across the world from 2013 to 2020. The analysis shows that the highlyuneven electrical vehicle penetration across countries is partly driven by cross-country variation in incentives andespecially in the availability of charging infrastructure. Investment in charging infrastructure would have been muchmore cost-effective than consumer purchase subsidies in promoting electrical vehicle adoption. This findinghighlights the importance of expanding charging infrastructure in the next phase of deeper electricalvehicle diffusion.

Suggested Citation

  • Li,Shanjun & Wang,Binglin & Yang,Muxi & Zhang,Fan, 2021. "The Global Diffusion of Electric Vehicles : Lessons from the First Decade," Policy Research Working Paper Series 9882, The World Bank.
    • Handle: RePEc:wbk:wbrwps:9882
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. de Palma, André & Lindsey, Robin & Riou, Yannik, 2025. "Meeting the European Union’s zero-CO2-emissions target for cars in France," Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice, Elsevier, vol. 199(C).
    3. Dimanchev, Emil & Fleten, Stein-Erik & MacKenzie, Don & Korpås, Magnus, 2023. "Accelerating electric vehicle charging investments: A real options approach to policy design," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 181(C).
    4. Li, Shanjun & Wang, Binglin & Zhou, Hui, 2024. "Decarbonizing passenger transportation in developing countries: Lessons and perspectives1," Regional Science and Urban Economics, Elsevier, vol. 107(C).
    5. Malima, Gabriel Clement & Moyo, Francis, 2023. "Are electric vehicles economically viable in sub-Saharan Africa? The total cost of ownership of internal combustion engine and electric vehicles in Tanzania," Transport Policy, Elsevier, vol. 141(C), pages 14-26.
    6. Vo, Hai Long, 2026. "What drives electric vehicle adoption? Perspectives from a geospatial and longitudinal study," Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice, Elsevier, vol. 203(C).

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