Sarmuhabat Singh is an entrepreneur with over 15 years of business experience. He owns a successful business that offers aftermarket applications and delivery solutions to automobile retailers, along with business interests in the fitness industry, e-commerce, hospitality, and real estate.
He will be defending his Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA) in March 2024 on the theme “”The zero-emission vehicle challenge in Australia : a study of forces and barriers in Victoria”” under the supervision of Professor Emmanuel Caillaud, professor at Conservatoire National des Arts et Métiers France.
Thesis Direction
Pr Emmanuel Caillaud
Thesis Title
The zero-emission vehicle challenge in Australia: a study of forces and barriers in Victoria.
Abstract
The present study aims to thoroughly investigate the zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) adoption scenario in Victoria, Australia. To achieve this objective, a research design that combines qualitative and quantitative approaches is employed, allowing for a comprehensive understanding of the breadth and depth of this scenario. Due to the limited rollout of hydrogen-powered fuel cell electric vehicles (HCEV), the study primarily emphasises on the factors influencing the adoption of battery electric vehicles (BEV or EV) in Victoria. Given the significant transformation towards sustainability in the global transportation sector, it is crucial to comprehend the intricacies associated with the deployment of electric vehicles (EVs). In order to accomplish this objective, the study combines the methodological rigour of quantitative approaches with the nuanced and in-depth understanding provided by qualitative investigation. The study’s quantitative phase utilised a structured survey and a questionnaire to collect data on several aspects influencing the adoption of zero electric vehicles (ZEVs), the barriers encountered during the adoption process, and the overall attitudes around ZEVs. Surveys were sent to a wide group of respondents, ensuring a broad range of perspectives were captured. By conducting mixed methods of quantitative and qualitative studies, significant patterns and correlations were identified, thereby providing a comprehensive overview of the adoption landscape at a macro level. The results indicated that the main factors driving the adoption of electric vehicles were a combination of environmental awareness, economic factors, and the appeal of new technologies. However, there were also notable obstacles, such as concerns about limited driving range, issues with charging infrastructure, and high initial costs. In addition to employing an empirical technique, the qualitative portion of the study relied heavily on conducting in-depth interviews. By interacting with people from identified stakeholders such as industry personnel, consumers and government officials, we gained insight into the complexities of individual electric vehicle (EV) experiences, revealing the underlying motives, obstacles, and goals that influence them. The provided insights, rich in narrative content, effectively depict a detailed and comprehensive portrayal, emphasising the human aspects that form the foundation of the larger patterns. In summary, the mixed-methods strategy employed in this study facilitated a comprehensive understanding of Victoria’s electric vehicle (EV) scene by integrating factual data with human narratives. The results emphasise the complex and diverse aspects of electric vehicle (EV) adoption, emphasising the necessity for collaborative endeavours among policymakers, industry stakeholders, and the community in order to position Victoria as a leading participant in the worldwide EV revolution.
Although over two-thirds of the survey participants and a majority of interview participants believe that Victoria’s target of 50% of sales of all new passenger vehicles to be zero-emission vehicles by 2030 is too ambitious. The research is concluded with key recommendations that are constructed for the government of Victoria. The research recommends that scrapping the EV road use tax, enforcing the minimum emissions standards in line with European standards, and expanding charging infrastructure are the most important significant policies that can influence the uptake of zero-emission vehicles in Victoria.