Dutch Electric Vehicle Innovation System

Due to the global changes in economy, energy security and environment, international policy makers including the Netherlands are seeking for a new feasible solution to address sustainable transportation. Taking into account that 73% of oil in Europe is consumed by the transportation sector, the introduction of electric vehicles should be a first priority for saving the most critical source of primary energy (EuropeanCommission, 2010). Accordingly, the Dutch government intends to innovate by shifting from a fossil fuel based transportation network to a more sustainable fuel network. Some possible alternatives such as hybrid, bio-fuels, steam, and electric vehicles have been discussed for many years but many scholars vouch for electric vehicle (EV) as the best possible solution. However, introducing electric vehicle to the Dutch market is not a straightforward task. It is a complex process in which economic, political, social and technological factors influence the Dutch electric vehicle innovation system. As this system needs to be improved, continuous environment scanning is a first crucial step. Therefore, the objective of this study is to analyze the current Dutch EV innovation.