Driving Factors for Women’s Switch to Electric Vehicles in Conservative Kuwait

Abstract

Electric vehicles (EVs) may constitute the most disruptive and innovative product since the smartphone. Further, there seems to be a relationship between the percentage of women in congress and plug-in vehicles sold in 2021. This study considers the relation between the country with the least number of women in congress and the least EVs sold—the State of Kuwait. This study asks 234 women drivers in Kuwait what policy-level changes would make them switch from conventional Internal Combustion Engine cars (ICE) to EVs. The results showed the following: More than 50% of participants would buy EVs within the next three years if several conditions were met: lower purchase price with government assistance and availability of suitable infrastructure for EVs such as wide availability of fast charging stations, fast lanes, and free parking spaces. More than 40% of participants would start thinking seriously about buying EVs if gas/fuel prices increased by 50–199%; they also thought EVs were safer regarding fire and car crashes. They would pay 6–20% more for EVs that are environmentally friendly and faster than gasoline cars. About 40% of women drivers would be able to charge EVs in their residential areas in Kuwait, but the lack of charging stations remains the biggest obstacle to the mass adoption of EVs. This study also made various suggestions to overcome barriers to EV introduction in Kuwait, such as the increase of fast charging stations, as well as marketing strategies and government initiatives and policies. One key implication is that focused educational efforts are needed to help women owners in Kuwait better understand the benefits and overall potential of EVs.