Behavioural strategies for electric mobility in urban environments: A systematic review and policy outlook

Abstract

Achieving low-carbon mobility in urban environments requires not only technological innovation but also sustained behavioural change. However, policy and research have predominantly focused on economic incentives and infrastructure provision, while behavioural strategies, particularly nudging, remain comparatively underexplored. This article presents a systematic review focused specifically on nudge-based interventions promoting electric mobility. Following the PRISMA protocol, an initial search identified 476 records, from which 29 studies (2013–2025) were selected based on predefined eligibility criteria. The review combines bibliometric and qualitative analyses to examine publication trends, geographical distribution, methodological approaches, theoretical frameworks, and the types and effectiveness of nudge interventions. The results reveal a strong predominance of informational nudges, particularly those aimed at translating complex technical or economic information into simpler and more accessible formats. Interventions targeting decision structures (e.g., default options) and decision support (e.g., feedback or reminders) are comparatively less represented. The literature is heavily concentrated in high-income contexts and relies predominantly on short-term experimental designs focused on individual-level behaviour, often overlooking systemic drivers, contextual variation, and equity implications. Overall, the findings indicate that while nudges can positively influence electric vehicle–related decisions, their effects are generally modest and context-dependent. This highlights the need to combine behavioural interventions with infrastructural and policy measures. The review identifies key gaps in theoretical integration, methodological diversity, and user segmentation, and argues for embedding behavioural insights within broader urban policy and environmental planning frameworks to support more inclusive and effective pathways towards low-carbon mobility and reduced transport-related emissions.