Electric Cars in Brazil: An Analysis of Core Green Technologies and the Transition Process

Charles Lincoln Kenji Yamamura, Harmi Takiya, Cláudia Aparecida Soares Machado, José Carlos Curvelo Santana, José Alberto Quintanilha and Fernando Tobal Berssaneti
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Charles Lincoln Kenji Yamamura: Department of Production Engineering, Polytechnic School, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-010, SP, Brazil
Harmi Takiya: Department of Production Engineering, Polytechnic School, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-010, SP, Brazil
Cláudia Aparecida Soares Machado: Department of Transportation Engineering, Polytechnic School, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-070, SP, Brazil
José Carlos Curvelo Santana: Department of Management Engineering, Federal University of ABC, Alameda das Universidades, Anchieta, São Bernardo do Campo 09606-045, SP, Brazil
José Alberto Quintanilha: Institute of Energy and Environment, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-010, SP, Brazil
Fernando Tobal Berssaneti: Department of Production Engineering, Polytechnic School, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-010, SP, Brazil

Sustainability, 2022, vol. 14, issue 10, 1-19

Abstract: This paper explores the transition to electric cars in Brazil. The country has been successful to reduce its carbon footprint using biofuels, but it is facing a dilemma in vehicle electrification. It cannot shift abruptly to battery electric vehicles, as current consumers are unable to afford them and investment in recharging infrastructure is uncertain. However, it has a significant manufacturing base, and it cannot isolate itself from global industrial trends. This study relies on the inductive case study method, identifying the core green technologies in vehicle electrification and extrapolating their trends, to explain how the transition process is feasible. The emergence of a dominant design (set of core technologies defining a product category and adopted by the majority of players in the market) in small and affordable segments is essential for the diffusion of electric cars in developing countries. Biofuel hybrid technologies may support the transition. The Brazilian industry can engage in electric vehicle development by designing small cars based on global architectures, targeting consumers in emerging markets. The article contributes by using a dominant design core technologies framework to explain and map the transition to electric vehicles in developing countries, supporting academic research, government, and industry planning.

Keywords: electric car; technology transition; dominant design; vehicle electrification; clean energy; materials usage; vehicle battery; hybrid car; developing countries; Brazil (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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