Geographic Analysis of Electric Vehicle Adoption in California, USA and Shanghai, China

Abstract

This dissertation presents geographic analysis of adoption and consideration of electric vehicles (EV) in California, United States (U.S.), and Shanghai, China, focusing on the socio-economic factors, policy frameworks, and infrastructural elements that drive or inhibit EV uptake. The research uses detailed secondary GIS data for California and primary survey data for Shanghai to provide a comprehensive understanding of the spatial and temporal trends in EV adoption within these two distinct geographic areas. In California, the study characterizes EV adoption statewide and within its major cities, revealing variation in how adoption rates have evolved before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Key factors influencing EV adoption include the availability of charging infrastructure, income levels, and educational attainment, while disadvantaged communities have yet to see much uptake, despite policy aims to do so. In Shanghai, primary survey data is used to assess residents' awareness, attitudes towards EVs, and how it compares by residential location. This detailed analysis highlights the importance of a well-developed public charging infrastructure and identifies gaps in infrastructure planning, especially in peripheral urban areas. The study also examines shifts in EV interest and adoption patterns over recent years, including during the COVID-19 pandemic. An analysis of how EV policies and incentives are evaluated and used by Shanghai residents, focusing on regional variations within Shanghai and California., emphasizes the necessity of tailored policy approaches that consider geographic variation. The study finds that both centralized policies and decentralized strategies have influenced EV adoption awareness and interest in Shanghai, providing valuable observations for policymakers in similar regions. This research contributes to the broader understanding of EV adoption by providing detailed insights into the factors influencing adoption in two major global markets. The findings offer actionable recommendations for policymakers, urban planners, and researchers, supporting the global transition to sustainable transportation systems and contributing to broader environmental and societal goals.