Electric vehicles and sustainable development goals: A multi-level governance analysis

Electric vehicle (EV) adoption is driven by government incentives and strategies aimed at achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). A coordinated, multi-level governance (MLG) approach is essential as fragmented efforts generate societal costs and undermine long-term sustainability commitments. This study analyses EV and EV supply equipment (EVSE) policies in Australia, Canada, Germany, the United Kingdom and the United States to determine how they contribute to the SDGs. Using MLG theory, it examines vertical and horizontal government integration for policy coherence for sustainable development (PCSD). A thematic analysis of 108 policies shows that most incentives support SDG 13 (climate action), SDG 3 (good health) and SDG 8 (economic growth). Policy discrepancies between national and local governments are observed for SDG 11 (sustainable cities). Governments integrate vertically through funding and horizontally through informal collaboration, increasingly engaging stakeholders in information sharing. The findings highlight the role of MLG in strengthening PCSD, as well as the contribution of transport electrification strategies to achieving the SDGs. The study provides insights for policymakers and academics and highlights the need for integrated policy design and implementation for sustainable transport. • Examines over 100 electric vehicle (EV) policies and strategies across five country contexts • Assesses the coherence of these EV policies with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) • Extends Multi-Level Governance Theory to the EV policy analysis and implementation domain • Identifies vertical and horizontal integration as key to charging infrastructure expansion • Provides a framework for improving EV policy coherence across all government levels