Overcoming electric vehicle data quality issues in emerging markets and developing economies

Data ambiguity and incompleteness are standing problems in the study of electric vehicle (EV) adoption, particularly in emerging markets and developing economies. In this commentary, we present a specific case study and discuss its policy ramifications. Stemming from our research into EV adoption in the United Arab Emirates, we discuss how conflicting data on EV penetration in this market can hinder the effectiveness of tailored policy tools for specific consumer segments. We argue that a key driver for EV data ambiguity and incompleteness is the proliferation of both academic and grey literature on EV adoption based on data acquisition and quality practices that are not sufficient. We conclude with three recommendations aimed at improving future EV research and related policy development.