Feasibility Assessment of Electric Vehicles in Abu Dhabi: Socioeconomic Feasibility and Policy Implications

Abstract

The transportation sector plays a major role in the United Arab Emirates carbon footprint. An important option into the transition to a more sustainable transportation system will be through the adoption of Electric Vehicles (EVs). This paper investigates the potential of EV adoption in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE. As an important fossil fuel exporter, domestic fossil fuel consumption in the form of gasoline, diesel, and electricity is subsidized. These conditions and the early urban planning have generated a strong private-car-based transportation system. In this paper, we assess the feasibility of EVs in Abu Dhabi using a sensitivity analysis of an econometric model. Through this model, we calculate the net benefits from multiple scenarios of EV adoption. Those benefits are going to be a result of a combination of greater EV diffusion and reduced ICVs. In turn, this will be achieved through placing the right policies supporting EVs’ diffusion and finding a mechanism to translate this into greater EV purchases and ICV replacements. A system dynamics model that is calibrated with the latest statistics applicable to Abu Dhabi is used to measure the effect of the various policy measures that aim to stimulate the uptake of EVs. To understand the current direction in the local transportation policy and determine the feasibility of the different policy options to support EVs, we review the latest version of the Abu Dhabi Surface Transport Master Plan. To get a holistic knowledge of the different policy tools available to support EVs, we also review the international best practices aimed at increasing the EV base. Additionally, we conduct a public survey and structured interviews to determine the Abu Dhabi’s residents’ knowledge and acceptance level of EVs. Integrating the results of the policy review, the model analysis, and the local social acceptance, we recommend the most suitable policy suit to support the EV movement in Abu Dhabi.

Date of Award	Dec 2013
Original language	American English
Supervisor	Sgouris Sgouridis (Supervisor)