Application of a Decision-making Approach Based on Factor Analysis and DEMATEL for Evaluating Challenges of Adopting Electric Vehicles

Abstract

Background Electric vehicles (EVs) are important as they decrease air pollution, lessen reliance on fossil fuels, and significantly contribute to cutting greenhouse gas emissions. The use of EVs in promoting a sustainable life and reducing the harmful effects of climate change is very beneficial to the environment and public health. Objective The purpose of this research is to evaluate the potential challenges in the adoption of electric vehicles in Iran. To this end, a set of challenges is categorized, and the interrelation and significance of these challenges are examined. Methods To categorize the challenges of adopting EVs, exploratory factor analysis is used, and to evaluate the relationship between them and rank them based on their importance, the DEMATEL (Decision Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory) method, which is a Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) technique, is employed. Results The results of the statistical analysis show that challenges can be divided into three categories: social, economic, and technological. Furthermore, the DEMATEL method results indicate that the three most important and impactful challenges are as follows: two social challenges, “Lack of government support to promote EVs” and “Lack of public willingness and public resistance to adopting new EV technologies,” and one technological challenge, “Immature technological advancement in EVs and battery technologies.” Conclusion This research provides insights into evaluating the challenges of adopting electric vehicles. The findings assist decision-makers in developing electric transportation and understanding the relationships between challenges and their significance. This study serves as a foundation for policymakers and industry stakeholders to navigate through the complex landscape of electric vehicle adoption.