Environmental Studies Program

 

First Advisor

Dr. Angela Palmer-Wackerly

Date of this Version

Spring 5-2024

Document Type

Thesis

Citation

Environmental Studies Undergraduate Student Thesis, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2024

Abstract

Electric vehicles (EVs) are a way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from transportation, but low consumer adoption rates present a challenge. In order to understand what factors may facilitate EV adoption, a comparative analysis of three U.S. states was performed. These states have the highest rates of EV adoption in the country. Thus, studying them provided insights into what may make EV adoption successful. California, Hawaii, and Washington are the states with the highest EV adoption rates. Based on previous research, a list of 12 characteristics that may influence EV adoption was compiled and applied to each state, focusing on what may impact human behavior. Each of these characteristics was applied to the three states. The results revealed that key features related to EVs in these states that could be applied to other states in an effort to increase adoption rates. Key features include high quantity and quality of climate change legislation, high quantity and quality of EV-supportive legislation, urban areas in large cities, highly developed public charging infrastructure, higher-than-average median household income, and positive individual attitudes toward EVs. Many of these may be applied to other states. Considering a new EPA policy that outlines EV sales targets and emissions reductions targets, motivation exists for states to increase EV adoption. EVs are here to stay, so unlocking the environmental benefits rests on improving states’ abilities to facilitate EVs.

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