Which Developing Countries Are Ripe for Electric Vehicle Investment? An Analytical Framework

Abstract

While some developed countries (especially in the West) are making some progress in electrifying their transport sector with electric vehicles, it is also important to focus on developing countries since the climate change challenge is global. This paper contributes knowledge on transport electrification in developing countries. First, we analyse the evolution of the industrial organisation of electric utilities. Second, we discuss the interaction of electric utilities with the increased uptake of electric mobility in the context of the megatrends of decarbonisation, digitalisation, decentralisation, demand disruption and disintermediation in developing countries. Then, we develop an analytical framework as a decision-support tool to provide insight to policymakers, utilities, regulators, and stakeholders willing to invest in electric mobility in developing countries.

Keywords: electric mobility, electric utilities, industrial organisation, developing countries