Perception of Electric Cars in Uzbekistan

Alisher Abdullaev, Kongratbay Sharipov, Anastas Khachaturov and Rauf Salahodjaev
Tashkent State University of Economics

Abstract

The transition to the cars with low carbon footprint has important social and policy implications. While perceptions and factors predicting preference for electric cars in high income countries are subject to extensive research, there is only handful evidence from developing countries. This study investigates what is the attitude of car owners in Uzbekistan to the prospects for a gradual transition from traditional cars to cars equipped with electric motors. To answer this question, we compared interviews that were conducted with 241 car owners. Our analysis shows a strong correlation between personal income of an individual and its perception of benefits of the electric cars. To illustrate, we conclude that as personal income level rise, the ability to charge a car on its own is more important to a person, while people with lower incomes are more likely to report lower energy costs for a car compared with the traditional cars. Moreover, the results also revealed that insufficient infrastructure is a barrier to the use of electric vehicles for all groups of people. In conclusion, from a government perspective, this study emphasizes the need to take into account that flexible programs should be implemented to facilitate the transition from the traditional cars to the electric cars for people with different backgrounds and levels of personal income.

Presentation