Engaging governance in electric vehicle adoption: policy implications for an outermost region of the European Union

Due to its reliance on fossil fuels, geographical isolation, and fragmented energy system, electric vehicles are essential for the Canary Islands’ decarbonization strategy. This research examines the governance challenges of electric vehicle deployment using Q-Methodology with inputs from 30 experts...

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Main Authors: Francisco J. Ramos-Real, Santiago Escamilla-Fraile, Iván Medina-Jiménez, Francisco J. Calero-García
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Elsevier 2025-07-01
Series:Transportation Research Interdisciplinary Perspectives
Subjects:
Online Access:http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2590198225002313
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author Francisco J. Ramos-Real
Santiago Escamilla-Fraile
Iván Medina-Jiménez
Francisco J. Calero-García
author_facet Francisco J. Ramos-Real
Santiago Escamilla-Fraile
Iván Medina-Jiménez
Francisco J. Calero-García
author_sort Francisco J. Ramos-Real
collection DOAJ
description Due to its reliance on fossil fuels, geographical isolation, and fragmented energy system, electric vehicles are essential for the Canary Islands’ decarbonization strategy. This research examines the governance challenges of electric vehicle deployment using Q-Methodology with inputs from 30 experts who evaluated 36 statements across four areas: regulatory framework, stakeholder participation, control mechanisms, and implementation. Three key perspectives emerged: EV Believers, EV Sceptics, and Business as Usual. EV Believers advocate for electric vehicles and participatory governance, while EV Sceptics focus on economic feasibility and fiscal instruments. In contrast, Business as Usual actors prefer conventional transport and resist new regulations and initiatives. Despite differing views, all agree on better intergovernmental coordination, regulatory clarity, and infrastructure interoperability. This study recommends a governance strategy with five pillars: (i) establish an independent agency; (ii) enforce existing regulations; (iii) enhance stakeholder participation; (iv) strengthen control mechanisms; and (v) integrate electric vehicle deployment into public transport and vehicle-to-grid systems. These evidence-based recommendations aim to boost electric vehicle adoption and participatory governance in the Canary Islands’ climate and energy policy.
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spelling doaj-art-d0b7fef34d934028b2eb7a61698990962025-08-22T04:58:04ZengElsevierTransportation Research Interdisciplinary Perspectives2590-19822025-07-013210155210.1016/j.trip.2025.101552Engaging governance in electric vehicle adoption: policy implications for an outermost region of the European UnionFrancisco J. Ramos-Real0Santiago Escamilla-Fraile1Iván Medina-Jiménez2Francisco J. Calero-García3Departamento de Economía, Contabilidad y Finanzas, Instituto Universitario de Investigación Social y Turismo (ISTUR), Universidad de La Laguna, 38200 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain; Corresponding author.Programa de Doctorado en Ingeniería Industrial, Informática y Medioambiental, Universidad de La Laguna, 38200 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, SpainDoctoral Program in Tourism, Instituto Universitario de Investigación Social y Turismo (ISTUR), Universidad de La Laguna, 38200 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, SpainDepartamento de Economía, Contabilidad y Finanzas, Instituto Universitario de Investigación Social y Turismo (ISTUR), Universidad de La Laguna, 38200 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, SpainDue to its reliance on fossil fuels, geographical isolation, and fragmented energy system, electric vehicles are essential for the Canary Islands’ decarbonization strategy. This research examines the governance challenges of electric vehicle deployment using Q-Methodology with inputs from 30 experts who evaluated 36 statements across four areas: regulatory framework, stakeholder participation, control mechanisms, and implementation. Three key perspectives emerged: EV Believers, EV Sceptics, and Business as Usual. EV Believers advocate for electric vehicles and participatory governance, while EV Sceptics focus on economic feasibility and fiscal instruments. In contrast, Business as Usual actors prefer conventional transport and resist new regulations and initiatives. Despite differing views, all agree on better intergovernmental coordination, regulatory clarity, and infrastructure interoperability. This study recommends a governance strategy with five pillars: (i) establish an independent agency; (ii) enforce existing regulations; (iii) enhance stakeholder participation; (iv) strengthen control mechanisms; and (v) integrate electric vehicle deployment into public transport and vehicle-to-grid systems. These evidence-based recommendations aim to boost electric vehicle adoption and participatory governance in the Canary Islands’ climate and energy policy.http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2590198225002313Electric vehicleEnergy governanceQ-methodologyCanary IslandsRenewable energy transitionSustainable mobility
spellingShingle Francisco J. Ramos-Real
Santiago Escamilla-Fraile
Iván Medina-Jiménez
Francisco J. Calero-García
Engaging governance in electric vehicle adoption: policy implications for an outermost region of the European Union
Transportation Research Interdisciplinary Perspectives
Electric vehicle
Energy governance
Q-methodology
Canary Islands
Renewable energy transition
Sustainable mobility
title Engaging governance in electric vehicle adoption: policy implications for an outermost region of the European Union
title_full Engaging governance in electric vehicle adoption: policy implications for an outermost region of the European Union
title_fullStr Engaging governance in electric vehicle adoption: policy implications for an outermost region of the European Union
title_full_unstemmed Engaging governance in electric vehicle adoption: policy implications for an outermost region of the European Union
title_short Engaging governance in electric vehicle adoption: policy implications for an outermost region of the European Union
title_sort engaging governance in electric vehicle adoption policy implications for an outermost region of the european union
topic Electric vehicle
Energy governance
Q-methodology
Canary Islands
Renewable energy transition
Sustainable mobility
url http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2590198225002313
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AT ivanmedinajimenez engaginggovernanceinelectricvehicleadoptionpolicyimplicationsforanoutermostregionoftheeuropeanunion
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