E-mobility in Kazakhstan: opportunities and challenges

This paper investigates the factors influencing the intent to consider buying an electric vehicle in the next 5 years in Kazakhstan. Broad literature review of similar studies run in regard to different countries. The data needed for the purpose of this research was collected by conducting a survey among 107 residents of Kazakhstan coming from various socioeconomic backgrounds. Binary logistic regression was applied to develop a well-fitting regression model for in-depth analysis of explanatory factors affecting the dependent variable and to derive conclusions from the obtained results. The study reports that a potential e-mobility adopter in Kazakhstan earns about $1000 per month, lives in an apartment, is not interested in alternative fuel vehicles other than electric cars, does not display an environmental image-seeking behavior and finds state subsidies as the most important policy incentive that would significantly influence his/her decision on the vehicle purchase in the next 5 years. The study can be useful for policy-makers working on implementing e-mobility solutions in Kazakhstan and electric car manufacturers seeking for the market niche in Kazakhstan.