Still Unplugged: Policy Diffusion Dynamics and Local Government Vehicle Fleet Electrification

Situated in a context of rapid technological innovation, coupled with federal and state efforts to foster sustainability, the continued growth of electric vehicle adoption presents new challenges concerning the capacity of existing transportation infrastructure. This study explores the diffusion, adoption, and prospects for adoption of a new technology: battery electric vehicles within local government fleets. Coupling archival data of municipal characteristics with an original survey of local government officials, this study examines which social, economic, and technological factors shape governmental pursuit of this technology within one culturally dynamic state. A supply-side, top-down framework for installing supportive infrastructure takes a central place in our consideration as the outcomes of that process have led to implementation of key charging stations with geographic significance. Results of our analysis reveal broad interest, though with expressed hesitance, in electrifying municipal vehicle fleets. While the policy diffusion literature places a premium on geographic proximity, municipalities reflecting the strongest prospects for fleet electrification are located within areas with greater public support, investment in capital infrastructure, and higher electric vehicle adoption rates.