ABSTRACT

This study explores the spatial mode of electric vehicle (EV) adoption in the early market of 41 key cities in China among which there is a high spatial heterogeneity . A spatial econometric model is established to illustrate the relative importance of regional variables on EV adoption. Most independent variables have significant direct positive effects on EV adoption. Specifically, the number of charging piles and per capita income had the greatest effects, followed by population density and university degree. These results indicate that areas with dense populations, higher education levels, higher income, and a complete charging infrastructure tend to dominate the early market for EVs. In comparison, the indirect effects of most independent variables are not significant, except for the population density and number of charging piles. Finally, this study concludes with the application of empirical results to policymaking.