Notes

We expect the existing differences to result in country-specific technological trajectories. France, for example, may exploit technological early mover advantages related to its pioneering investments in building up charging infrastructure; Germany may build expertise in smart solutions for integration electric vehicles into power grids, because this is one of its specific key challenges ahead; China may exploit its economies of scale to gain an advantage in mass manufacturing for e-cars or in battery production; and India may exploit international niche markets for low-cost e-vehicles. Only future research will show whether these assumptions prove to be right. This research will also help to assess the effectiveness of different national policy approaches.