Investigation and modeling of electric vehicle enablers (EVE) for successful penetration in context to India: mitigating the effect of urban sprawl on transportation.

Abstract

Urban sprawl in context to transportation is a matter of serious concern. It creates unusual environmental challenges for an emerging economy like India, known for geographical spread, population, and use of fossil fuel-based automobiles on road. Indian automotive sector is often held responsible for the emission of greenhouse gasses causing serious environmental deterioration. Government at both central and state levels is dealing with this challenge in two ways-adding more infrastructure for public transport and encouraging electrical vehicles (EVs). Adoption of EVs for public mobility is eco-friendlier and economic. But it is observed that EV penetration in many pockets is not growing and is yet to mature for usage. Regardless of subsidies, it is not picking up as expected and needs to be investigated. Earlier research mainly focused on reporting barriers and did not guide EV penetration enablers. This study bridges the research gap and offers useful insights about EV penetration phenomenon and makes use of both qualitative and quantitative treatments. Accordingly, it models thirteen enablers, guides about tangling interrelationships using an interpretive structural modeling (ISM), and validates it using best worst method (BWM) approach. The study reports six key enablers, which are-developing high-capacity batteries with short recharge time, improving service support, framing promotive government policies, lowering electricity tariffs using sustainable and reliable sources, and reducing dependence on imported raw materials. These enablers need an urgent attention from the industries and researchers for successful EV penetration in Indian context. Authors hope the findings will be useful for other developing countries as well and will influence both researchers and practitioners.