Public uptake of electric vehicles in Newfoundland and Labrador - barriers and policy solutions

Abstract

The province of Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) is encountering challenges in decreasing greenhouse gas emissions, principally in the private road transportation sector. Even though NL is one of the major renewable energy producers across the Canadian provinces, it still depends greatly relies on petroleum products for fuel consumption, which shows a clear contrast between having plentiful capacity in renewable energy and maintaining reliance on fossil fuel. This thesis investigates the reasons behind NL’s low electric vehicle (EV) uptake rates and suggests policy solutions. Using a cross-sectional survey methodology, this study examines public opinions on transportation decarbonization, explores the experiences of existing EV drivers, and reviews factors that affect the adoption of EVs. The results suggest seven barriers that may be preventing wider adoption of EVs in NL. These barriers include financial concerns, limited charging infrastructure, technology-related issues, government incentive inadequacies, EV knowledge gaps, market effectiveness, as well as NL-specific challenges. The study underlines the disproportionate impact of financial barriers on middle- to lower-income families, stressing the need for targeted government interventions. The challenges related to charging infrastructure, technology, and market effectiveness require strategic planning and collaborative efforts to overcome. Because of NL’s unique environmental and geographical characteristics, EV adoption is complicated, requiring tailored infrastructure developments and awareness-raising programs. Other policy recommendations include financial incentives, infrastructure development, and education initiatives, as well as collaboration between government bodies, manufacturers, and local communities.