Abstract

The purpose of this study is to explore the interaction between visions of the future and policy through the analysis of one Swedish policy document, a 2013 government investigation Fossil Fuel Freedom on the Road, and its subsequent policy process. Here, I examine the emergence of a sociotechnical imaginary (Jasanoff & Kim, 2009) that places electric vehicles at the center of a fossil fuel independent future. Analysis centers on textual analysis of this document as well as responses from a formal consultation process and two concrete policy measures showing how this imaginary is stabilized through interaction with additional actors and translation to additional contexts. This electric vehicle imaginary as presented in the policy report focuses on the role of electric vehicles in fighting climate change, as well as the increased energy efficiency and positive impact on city environments these vehicles promise. Additionally, this investigation identifies a specific policy agenda where electric vehicles are introduced first for personal vehicles and urban buses. This imaginary is stabilized in the consultation responses and two policy instruments, showing a process of embedding. Frictions, however, remain as these documents introduce contestations around biofuels versus electric vehicles and which sections of transport should be electrified.

Keywords

Sociotechnical imaginaries; Electric vehicles; Transport policy; Sweden

Published in

Futures
2021, Volume: 129, article number: 102742
Publisher: ELSEVIER SCI LTD

SLU Authors

• Mutter, Amelia

  • Department of Urban and Rural Development, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    
  • Linköping University

Sustainable Development Goals

Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all
Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable
Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns


UKÄ Subject classification

Economics


Publication identifier

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.futures.2021.102742

Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/112028