Challenges and Opportunities for Future BEVs Adoption in Croatia

Abstract

Electric vehicles (EVs) represent a revolution and the beginning of a new era in the development of the automotive industry. This study investigates the advantages and disadvantages of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and the possibilities of their better future adoption in the Republic of Croatia. Based on an in-depth analysis of the current status of BEVs in Croatia, the study shows that the number of passenger BEVs and charging stations are constantly increasing. However, despite the many advantages of BEVs, such as a reduction in urban air pollution, reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, noise-free, less dependence on oil as a fuel, etc., there also are certain disadvantages, such as a limited range of vehicles, the correlation with an insufficient number of charging stations on the transport network as a whole, storage of lithium-ion batteries, maintenance of electric vehicles, high prices, and the safety of BEVs in the road traffic system. The practical implications of BEVs’ positive and negative effects and challenges for increasing their implementation in Croatia are discussed. The results and findings from this research could present a base for policymakers and decisionmakers to formulate policies and strategies to improve the opportunities for the adoption of BEVs in Croatia.