Abstract:

This case study investigates consumer preferences and stakeholders’ interests regarding hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) and electric vehicles (EVs) in the Greater Beirut Area (GBA) in Lebanon where the market for these vehicle types is still nascent. A mixed logit model incorporating financial and technical attributes of common mid-size Internal Combustion Engines (ICE), HEVs, and EVs is estimated then used to compute Willingness to Pay (WTP) measures and evaluate the effectiveness of different monetary incentives in promoting these vehicle types. The model incorporates three main variables: purchase price, operating cost, and driving range. The study also uses qualitative research methods to capture the perspectives of different stakeholders regarding electric mobility in Lebanon. This research investigates the challenges of a public charging infrastructure rollout as well as HEVs and EVs wide adoption from different stakeholders’ points of view. This research shows that it is more likely for HEVs than EVs to take off in the short term and that a solid transition to electric mobility in Lebanon necessitates further planning, especially in terms of instituting a clear and effective incentives scheme. The policy and stakeholder analyses lay the ground for better planning as they point out the opportunities and challenges to the wide adoption of cleaner vehicle technologies. The findings may also be useful to other countries with similarly low market penetration rates of EVs and HEVs that are aiming to monitor and improve their electric mobility strategies.