“Promoting sustainable demand for electric vehicles”: unpacking Ghana's Electric Vehicle Policy vis-à-vis stated consumer preferences

Abstract

The role of the transport sector in the increasing emissions of greenhouse gases is well recognized. Global climate mitigation strategies, inspired by the Paris Climate Accord, aim to promote green transportation, among other initiatives, to curtail emissions. African nations, including Ghana with its recently launched national electric vehicle policy, are positioned to encourage the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) across the continent. This paper investigates the factors influencing EV usage among potential adopters. Primary data were collected from a broader consumer preference survey involving 1500 participants from Accra (46.7 %), Kumasi (33.3 %), and Tamale (20 %). Descriptive statistics reveal that while only a small percentage of participants (26.8 %) intended to purchase an EV at the time of the survey –especially in the absence of government support –they demonstrated a heightened preference for EVs when favorable government incentives were present to make them more affordable and accessible. The findings further indicate a relatively stronger inclination towards EV ownership among females, environmentally conscious participants and current car owners. The paper discusses the implications of these findings and outlines strategies to enhance EV adoption in alignment with the country's national EV policy.