AbstractsEarth & Environmental Science

This study suggests an improved policy pathway for a higher adoption of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) in Sweden. By use of Rogers’ Diffusion of Innovations it was shown that Sweden’s current policy is ineffective due to equal incentives on plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and battery electric vehicles. In conjunction with Rogers’ theory, Multi-Level perspective shows that this is the result of the technology neutrality of the Swedish government. Norway, with higher incentives which only focus on BEVs, has a greater adoption rate of BEVs. However, the high incentives in Norway come along with the drawback of disturbing the adoption process. The incentives make adopters use the technology only because of financial reasons without questioning the compatibility and complexity of the technology.In order for Sweden to reach its goal of a fossil independent car fleet in 2030, this study suggests a policy where focus is put on supporting niche-markets rather than supporting individuals, as Norway does. Within the niche-market the BEV can develop to become a competitive technology. When competitive, BEV can replace the fossil fuel dependent vehicles currently used without disturbing the adoption process.