Electric vehicles (EVs) are the most popular alternative to petrol and diesel vehicles and are
becoming a central part of climate change mitigation strategies. This paper draws attention to
how publics engage with communication strategies relating to EVs. By focusing on the
interlinked relationships between an individual’s location, ...
Electric vehicles (EVs) are the most popular alternative to petrol and diesel vehicles and are
becoming a central part of climate change mitigation strategies. This paper draws attention to
how publics engage with communication strategies relating to EVs. By focusing on the
interlinked relationships between an individual’s location, socio-demographic characteristics
and their experiences with media sources, the paper demonstrates how EV-related
knowledges are publicly engaged with and perceived by individuals. By using systems
thinking as a critical analytical lens, we examine how these individuals use knowledges
and/or refer to hegemonic framings of alternative technologies to discuss EVs. These
constructs focus predominantly on consumerist framings of EVs and how they compare to
petrol and diesel vehicles as a commodity. In this context, the paper provides an
understanding of how to improve public engagement with EV-related communications by
using a systems thinking approach. In doing so, the paper further offers a critical perspective
on the relevance of EVs to publics beyond being a consumer product. These considerations
can provide researchers with valuable insights into effective and more engaging
communication strategies for particular contexts.
