Charging Ahead? Unveiling Public Perception of Alternative Sustainable Fuel Vehicles

ABSTRACT Climate change mitigation efforts underscore the pivotal role of Alternative Fuel Vehicles (AFVs) in reducing transportation emissions. This study investigates online discourse patterns regarding AFVs in South Korea using YouTube comments data from 2010 to 2024. By applying Keyword Co‐occurrence Network and sentiment analysis, we examine public opinions and emotional responses over time. This study analyzes the structure and evolution of AFV‐related discourse across key policy issues, moving beyond simple measures of positive and negative sentiment. Results indicate predominantly negative sentiments towards AFVs, with major concerns centered on charging infrastructure and battery technology. Negative discourse is more densely associated with concerns related to feasibility, while a shift in public interest from hydrogen technology to battery and charging infrastructure has been observed. The study identifies that complex and frequently changing subsidy policies decrease public understanding and engagement. By utilizing social media comments as observable signals of engaged public attitudes, the proposed framework provides empirical evidence that supports policy design in transportation and energy systems and informs strategies for sustainable and low‐carbon transitions.