The Feedback Loop between Policy Perceptions and Perceived Individual Capability Sets: Policies Promoting Electric Vehicle use in the context of Utrecht and the Netherlands

Abstract

The shift towards electric vehicles (EVs) is an important part of the transition towards sustainable mobility. To ensure everyone has the opportunity to participate in the shift to EVs equality of opportunity is needed. This can be obtained through effective and inclusive transport policies. For policies to be able to provide equality of opportunity a focus on individual perceptions is needed, as these have an important role in determining policy outcomes. These perceptions are influenced by an individual’s perception of their personal circumstances – their perceived capability sets. To date, there is a lack of knowledge on the perceptions of individuals regarding equity outcomes of policies promoting EV use and the role of perceived capability sets herein. Within this research, the role of perceived capability sets in individual perceptions of policies promoting EV use and its equity implications is investigated through 25 qualitative semi-structured interviews. The results showed that policies function as a social conversion factor influencing individuals’ perceived capability of EV adoption. These policies are perceived to mainly benefit higher socio-economic groups in favourable economic positions and living in affluent neighbourhoods. As the policies do not enhance equality of opportunity for all makes the current policies serve as an in- and exclusion mechanism.