Barriers to widespread adoption of electric vehicles in the automotive industry of Azerbaijan : An explorative study of electric vehicles in the automotive industry of Azerbaijan

Abstract

Unquestionably, means of transport is the crucial matter among all the nations. Besides, these transports are essential for the development of economic, social, and urban planning. In developing countries, especially the nations where the number of traditional vehicles is plenty, they are trying to improve air quality, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, carbon dioxide, and diminish the dependence on fossil fuels such as coal, petrol, and natural gas. The paramount moral of the usage of energy sources among people is also increasing every day, and renewable energy sources are getting more appealing. In that light, actions in the energy sector lead to achievements in the automotive industry as people are attempting to find a better means of transport with sufficient energy efficiency and low emissions. Around the globe, electric vehicles are believed as a blueprint to oppose the harmful consequences of traditional gasoline-powered vehicles, and they have immeasurable traditional features. Various cities in the world, which display remarkably excellent practices for supporting electric vehicles with the help of different mechanisms, act as prototypes for other cities. In that respect, those cities are able to increase the speed of the electrification process around the world. Especially capitals play an important role in creating and testing current policies and laws to adopt eco-friendly vehicles in the country effectively. The capital of Azerbaijan - Baku, is one of those centers globally striving to adopt electric vehicles. In this research project, barriers towards the overall adoption process are examined with extant literature, and findings are acquired from both conducted interviews and conducted an online survey. The outcomes from this study show that for the widespread adoption of electric vehicles, there are mainly five barrier groups and roughly eight barriers that were most highlighted issues by interviewees, including: “The value of the Vehicle,” “Tax,” “Lack of Charging Stations,” “Poor electricity network,” “Limited Knowledge,” “Maintenace and Services for Electric Vehicles.” It is important to note that only one barrier, particularly “Advertisement,” was introduced as a necessary factor by the respondents that did not appear from the literature study. In addition, two support mechanisms were offered during the extant literature analysis but were rejected by the respondents, including subsidy and increasing the tax for traditional gasoline-powered vehicles. The master thesis done by the researcher attempts to add valuable findings to the literature on the transportation sector, particularly to the insignificant literature database in Azerbaijan. In addition, the project may construct a solid base, and it can be the source of different studies in the future. Investors, who are willing to invest in more sustainable urban transport in Azerbaijan, can also benefit from that study in order to identify the barriers beforehand.