Exploring the Barriers to Consumer Adoption and Applications of Electric Vehicles: Ghana’s Experience
Date
2022
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
International Utility Conference and Exposition
Abstract
Electric mobility is gradually becoming popular
in developing countries, with the potential to unlock investment
opportunities and innovation for clean, safe and sustainable
urban transport. However, empirical evidence on possible
barriers which could frustrate the widespread adoption of
electric vehicles (EVs) is lacking. This paper aims to fill the void
by examining key barriers to ubiquitous EV uptake. We
generated primary data through interviews among potential
adopters as part of a broader EV consumer preference survey
in Ghana. Results from our thematic analyses of the data
identified 22 key barriers, which are sub-summed under five
major categories, including social, technical, economic, policy,
and infrastructural. The results further indicate that initial
high purchase cost, limited driving range and general lack
of supporting infrastructure are the three topmost
barriers to EV adoption in Ghana. The implications of the
findings and strategies to promote EV uptake among the
Ghanaian populace and the national government are discussed.
Description
Research Article
Keywords
Electric Vehicles (EVs), Internal Combustion Engine Vehicles (ICEVs), Barriers, EV Adoption, Ghana