A Cutting-Edge Examination of the Dichotomy of Electric Vehicles as a Symbol of “Sustainable Mobility” and “Clean Energy”

The transportation industry is responsible for 14.2% of total Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, with road transport accounting for 12.5%; henceforth, a rapid transition to Electric vehicle (EV) is required. It is anticipated that a complete transition from conventional to electric vehicles will reduce GHG emissions from road transport by over half. However, EV penetration rates are low, so many parameters that hinder adoption are still unknown. Developing countries lack peer-reviewed journals for extensive research, and researchers have limited access to technology. With the objective of portraying worldwide research to help researchers in developing countries. As a result, a literature review of 105 papers published in the last decade focussed on EV adoption, charging infrastructure, incentives and policies, consumer acceptability, user preferences, user perception, barriers, and GHG emissions. Matrix analysis is used to investigate the main factors affecting the adoption of electric vehicles for green and clean energy. The study’s conclusions indicate that developed countries have adopted technology at a far faster rate than developing ones, particularly in the areas of well laid charging infrastructure and government incentives. The findings will not only help researchers and policymakers understand the key enablers and drivers that influence the global adoption of electric vehicles, but they will also help achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), such as SDG 7 for affordable and clean energy and SDGs 11 and 13 to achieve sustainable cities, improve air quality; and thus, combat climate change’s effects.