The Meaning of Electric Cars in the Context of Sustainable Transition in Brazil

Fabienne T. Schiavo, Rodrigo F. Calili, Claudio F. de Magalhães and Isabel C. G. Fróes
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Fabienne T. Schiavo: Department of Arts and Design, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 22451-900, Brazil
Rodrigo F. Calili: Graduate Programme in Metrology, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 22451-900, Brazil
Claudio F. de Magalhães: Department of Arts and Design, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 22451-900, Brazil
Isabel C. G. Fróes: Department of Management Society and Communication, Copenhagen Business School, 2000 Frederiksberg, Denmark

Sustainability, 2021, vol. 13, issue 19, 1-24

Abstract: The transition from fossil-fuel cars to those powered by electricity seems to occur differently in Brazil compared with what has been observed in other countries, where it is motivated by the goal to reduce CO 2 emissions and the need to reduce dependence on fossil-fuel imports. At present, fleets are reduced, values are high, and the infrastructure is incipient. This article presents a problematization of the local scenario and the results of a survey with local consumers. The goal is to determine whether this market tends towards a scenario where an electric car is perceived as a substitute for a fossil-fuel vehicle, with new technology but the same function (transportation) or if it tends towards a reinterpretation, seeing integration with the electricity grid. The results indicate gaps and opportunities in service design, public policies for smart cities, and new ICTs associated with smart grids.

Keywords: sustainable transition; electric vehicles; innovation; sustainable cities; smart grid; smart cities; energy policy (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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