Explaining the role of dieselgate in the rise of Electric Vehicles
M.J.A. Terwindt (TU Delft - Civil Engineering & Geosciences)
R.R. Negenborn – Mentor (TU Delft - Transport Engineering and Logistics)
Wouter Beelaerts Van Blokland – Mentor (TU Delft - Transport Engineering and Logistics)
JA Annema – Mentor (TU Delft - Transport and Logistics)
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Abstract
This thesis looks into the link between the Volkswagen emission scandal, or dieselgate, and the strong rise of electric vehicles in the years following that event. In order to investigate this, a framework is build that describes the process of an innovation (the electric vehicle), taking over from an incumbent technology (fossil fuel cars), in measurable factors. This framework combines several theories on these subjects, including innovation diffusion, standard battles, disruptive innovation and radical innovation. The addition of manners to measure the underlying factors is one of the new aspects this thesis brings to both science and society. Through the application of the framework in case study concerning the automotive industry, it was concluded that dieselgate has indeed influenced the rise of electric vehicles, both directly and indirectly through Company Strategy, the reputation of a company, the opinion of consumers on technology, and government regulations and incentives.