Brazil’s electric vehicle research divide: an analysis of the imbalance between basic science and applied innovation

Purpose This study aims to investigate the structural imbalance between basic and applied electric vehicle (EV) research in Brazil through the analytical lens of the multi-level perspective (MLP) on socio-technical transitions. The authors argue that this imbalance is a critical indicator of niche maturity and its potential to disrupt the incumbent internal combustion engine (ICE) regime. Design/methodology/approach A systematic bibliometric analysis was conducted of 408 Brazilian EV articles indexed in Scopus (as of March 2024). Articles were classified as basic or applied research based on journal subject area – a reproducible proxy validated through inter-coder reliability testing. The validation showed fair agreement (κ= 0.34) and, crucially, perfect precision in identifying applied research, confirming the proxy’s utility for large-scale mapping while highlighting the prevalence of use-inspired research in technical outlets. Findings The analysis reveals a stark quantitative imbalance: 307 articles are classified as basic research, compared with only 43 as applied research (approximately 7:1). This disparity signals a research niche that is academically robust but structurally decoupled from the incumbent automotive regime, exhibiting strong technical publication but weak industry-linked, problem-oriented knowledge production. Research limitations/implications Reliance on the Scopus database and journal-level classification may introduce coverage and categorization biases. Future studies should use multi-database approaches and article-level content analysis. Practical implications To rebalance the research portfolio, they propose mission-oriented funding calls that require university-industry collaboration, reforms to academic incentives and industrial policy instruments to stimulate demand for applied EV knowledge. They also suggest specific metrics to monitor progress. Social implications Bridging the basic-applied gap can enhance the societal impact of EV research by supporting sustainable mobility, reducing urban pollution and advancing a more inclusive energy transition in Brazil. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study provides the first quantitative diagnosis of Brazil’s EV research imbalance. Its originality lies in developing and validating a journal-level proxy to classify research orientation in a national EV portfolio; interpreting bibliometric structure through the MLP as a diagnostic of socio-technical transition readiness; and translating these findings into evidence-based, operational policy recommendations and monitoring metrics tailored to Brazil’s MOVER Program.