The role of air pollution in electric vehicle adoption: Evidence from China

Xiaolei Zhao, Ziyao Zhao, Yumeng Mao and Xuemei Li

Transport Policy, 2024, vol. 154, issue C, 26-39

Abstract: This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the mechanisms through which air pollution influences consumer adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) in China. Utilizing the Air Quality Index (AQI) and EV sales data from 50 Chinese cities from 2010 to 2019, we apply a multiple regression model to investigate the direct and indirect impacts of air pollution on EV adoption. By analyzing data from the AQI and EV sales across 50 Chinese cities between 2010 and 2019, we apply a multiple regression model to dissect the direct and indirect effects of air pollution on the adoption of EVs. We find that the health risks associated with air pollution, such as respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, significantly sway consumer behavior towards EVs. Concerns over health and the financial burden of air pollution-related illnesses drive consumers, especially in wealthier regions, to choose EVs for healthier transportation. Additionally, we note an indirect mechanism: increased public and government awareness of environmental issues. This heightened awareness, coupled with policies promoting EV adoption, indirectly bolsters consumer interest in EVs, acknowledging their role in enhancing air quality. These findings offer vital insights for formulating sustainable transportation policies and urban planning strategies, especially in contexts of severe air pollution.

Keywords: Air pollution; Electric vehicle; Environmental awareness; Government environmental concern (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

Downloads: (external link)
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0967070X24001471
Full text for ScienceDirect subscribers only

Related works:
This item may be available elsewhere in EconPapers: Search for items with the same title.

Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text

Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:trapol:v:154:y:2024:i:c:p:26-39

Ordering information: This journal article can be ordered from
http://www.elsevier.com/wps/find/supportfaq.cws_home/regional
https://shop.elsevie ... _01_ooc_1&version=01

DOI: 10.1016/j.tranpol.2024.05.022

Access Statistics for this article

Transport Policy is currently edited by Y. Hayashi

More articles in Transport Policy from Elsevier
Bibliographic data for series maintained by Catherine Liu ().