Work

What has driven the adoption of BEV and PHEV in the EU?

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Moving towards greater electric mobility in Europe is fundamental for energy transition and reducing fossil fuel dependence. This paper analyses the role of socioeconomic, environmental, and technical factors on the diffusion of battery electric vehicles (BEV) and plug-in electric vehicles (PHEV) into the market. Annual panel data from 2010 to 2020 for 25 European countries were used by recurring to the Driscoll-Kraay estimator. BEV and PHEV sales market share was employed to measure both vehicles' diffusion. The main findings indicate that the fast public charging stations drive the adoption of both BEV and PHEV. The normal charging stations block the adoption of BEV and have no significant impact on PHEV sales. This paper provides empirical evidence suggesting that higher income levels do not lead to substituting traditional vehicles for EV. Particular attention should be paid to the negative role of environmental tax revenues in adopting both BEV and PHEV. Our findings indicate that those paying additional taxes for polluting activities do not have the financial capacity to buy an EV. To address this situation, policymakers could incentivise the use of EV instead of encouraging purchases, providing, for instance, special prices at tolls.

Source: Research in Transportation Business & Management

DOI: 10.1016/j.rtbm.2025.101331

Authors: Sónia Almeida Neves, António Cardoso Marques

Institution: University of Beira Interior

Language: English

Topic: Electric Vehicles and Infrastructure

Subfield: Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Sustainable cities and communities, Industry, innovation and infrastructure, Affordable and clean energy

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $2,620