Accelerating global EV transitions: Understanding the influence of institutional context

A global electric vehicle (EV) transition is underway to curtail carbon emissions, and many countries have adopted policies to promote electric vehicles (EVs). Often, countries show variations in their EV policies and EV penetration because of variations in the feedbacks between policy, politics, and technology due to differences in national politico-economic contexts. Also, countries adopt successful policies of other countries. However, a systematic understanding is lacking of a) why countries differ in their EV policies and EV transitions, b) how feedbacks operate in different countries, and c) how effective similar policies are in different countries. EVtrans answers these questions through comparative analysis of feedbacks in Germany, the UK and India and producing a novel interdisciplinary analytical framework. It combines insights from political economy, transition studies, and policy studies. Methodologically, it uses documentary analysis and semi-structured interviews for data gathering and process tracing and thematic analysis for analyzing data. Recently, the EU adopted a common ‘fit for 55’ legislation, which mandates that from 2035, all new cars in the EU must be zero-emission vehicles, and EVs will play a crucial role here. However, the EU member countries differ widely in their politico-economic context. EVtrans’ framework would help examine how such a common legislation will create feedbacks between policy, politics, and technology in different EU members. This would be useful in assessing the effectiveness of ‘fit for 55’ and taking corrective policy measures. To ensure the project’s successful implementation, I will conduct my research at the University of Sussex, School of Global Studies, under Prof. Peter Newell, who is a global authority on the political economy of energy transitions. This project will strengthen my academic profile and help me get a tenured position.