Abstract:

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the environmental effect of battery electric car adoption to that of similar petrol-powered vehicles in order to determine the economic costs of battery electric vehicle adoption in the short food supply chain. It also aimed to examine the influence of policy measures on this transition process. To achieve these objectives, data were obtained from market research and the testing phase of a project co-funded by the European Interreg Med Programme. Based on collected data, economic cost and greenhouse gas emission of both battery electric vehicle and internal combustion engine vehicle use were determined. The findings highlighted how, as compared to equivalent petrol-powered cars, the economic convenience of electric vehicles and their favourable influence on greenhouse gas emissions are visible after a fixed distance is reached, and that impact only increases from there. In light of these results, some recommendations can be provided to promote the spread of battery electric vehicles in the short food supply chain.