Advancing Electric Mobility in Andean Countries: A Systematic Review and Case Study of Ecuador

Luis Maita Jaramillo () and Diego Díaz-Sinche ()
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Luis Maita Jaramillo: Facultad de la Energía las Industrias y los Recursos Naturales no Renovables, Universidad Nacional de Loja, Loja 110103, Ecuador
Diego Díaz-Sinche: Facultad de la Energía las Industrias y los Recursos Naturales no Renovables, Universidad Nacional de Loja, Loja 110103, Ecuador

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 17, 1-31

Abstract: Electric mobility is emerging as a crucial solution to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and mitigate environmental impact. In Ecuador, the transportation sector significantly contributes to CO 2 emissions. However, the transition to electric vehicles faces several challenges, including high initial costs, insufficient charging infrastructure, and limited battery range. This highlights the need for effective public policies and local economic incentives. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the current state of electric mobility in Andean regions, with a particular focus on Ecuador. It employs a systematic literature review (SLR) adapted from Kitchenham’s methodology, incorporating a multicriteria hierarchical analysis to rank journals according to their relevance. The goal is to assess the growth, implementation, and limitations of electric mobility in Andean countries. Three key research questions are addressed: (i) What are the benefits associated with the transition to electric transportation in Andean countries, with a special focus on Ecuador? (ii) What are the current challenges in transitioning to electric mobility? (iii) What recent public policies are promoting electric transportation? The analysis reveals that the transition to electric mobility could significantly reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. However, it faces notable challenges due to the insufficient demand for studies in electromobility plans and methodologies for defining charging points. The SLR includes a review of over 90 articles published in high-impact journals over the past six years, providing a solid foundation for decision-making in the current landscape and suggesting strategies to overcome the obstacles faced by government institutions. Finally, the study presents the reality of an installed charging infrastructure in Ecuador and the development of electric mobility in the region.

Keywords: electric mobility; climate change; public policies; analytic hierarchy process; sustainable mobility (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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