Understanding the most significant obstacles can lead to policy changes, increases in EV adoption rate in developing countries
Electric vehicles (EVs) are critical for eliminating a large source of pollution and fighting climate change. However, widespread adoption of the technology has been slow, particularly in developing regions.
Ajao et al. examined the factors influencing EV adoption in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) using the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT). Their results can guide policies in these countries to increase the spread of EVs.
The UTAUT model identifies several key factors influencing technology adoption. These include facilitating conditions, such as availability of infrastructure and resources; effort expectancy, or ease of use; performance expectancy, or perceived usefulness of the technology; and social influence. By surveying nearly a thousand respondents in South Africa, Tanzania, Nigeria, Kenya, and other countries in the region, the researchers could identify the relative importance of each of these factors.
They found that facilitating conditions have the most significant impact on EV adoption, followed by performance expectancy, trust in the technology, and social influence.
“These findings differ from those in more developed regions, where government incentives, environmental concerns, and technological advancements are the main drivers of EV adoption,” said author Qasim Ajao. “In SSA, the focus is more on overcoming practical barriers like inadequate infrastructure and high costs, as well as building consumer trust.”
Identifying the biggest obstacles facing EV adoption will help the authors propose effective ways to overcome them.
“Our next steps will focus on turning our findings into practical solutions and further exploring EV adoption in SSA,” said Ajao. “We plan to work with policymakers and stakeholders to develop actionable strategies, such as building infrastructure, offering affordable financing options, and running awareness campaigns to build trust in EV technology.”
