Work

Addressing charging poverty as a barrier to equitable transport decarbonization

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: We define “charging poverty” as the inability to afford or access sufficient, reliable, and socially inclusive electric vehicle charging. We develop a conceptual framework that structures recurring constraints into five dimensions: economic, spatial, functional, temporal, and digital, illustrated across a typology of users and associated indicators. We also propose a research agenda and policy responses to help identify, monitor, and address charging inequalities as transport electrification expands.

Source: npj Sustainable Mobility and Transport

DOI: 10.1038/s44333-026-00125-0

Authors: Maria Xylia, Claudia Strambo, Björn Nykvist, Jenny von Platten

Institutions: Stockholm Environment Institute, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Linköping University, Lund University

Language: English

Topic: Electric Vehicles and Infrastructure

Subfield: Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Reduced inequalities, Industry, innovation and infrastructure, Sustainable cities and communities, No poverty

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,590