The role of corporate entrepreneurial activities in the electrification of the passenger mobility transition within the Netherlands

Abstract

\chapter{Summary}
The uptake of electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles in the Netherlands progresses slowly despite their importance for sustainable mobility. With 2030 zero-emission targets approaching, this thesis offers a unique perspective from within the Dutch automotive sector. It analyzes how companies view and address the challenges of this transition, providing an in-depth look at corporate strategies.

This study uses a mixed-method approach, combining a literature review, desk research, formal interviews, informal meetings, and observations during an internship at Pon, a leading automotive importer. Insights from this unique position offer a direct view of how companies adapt their strategies to a complex and evolving environment. Interviews with mobility experts, sustainability specialists, dealers, and vehicle brand representatives highlighted market trends, barriers, and strategies. The Technological Innovation Systems framework was applied to offer a broader understanding of systemic interactions and feedback loops that shape the electrification process.

The analysis shows that inconsistent government policies create uncertainty for companies and consumers. This uncertainty drives companies to adopt reactive, short-term strategies, prioritizing sales volumes over long-term planning. Dealers face reduced margins and limited customization options for electric vehicles, disrupting traditional business models. Meanwhile, rising vehicle costs have shifted the focus toward business-to-business solutions like fleet management and mobility solutions. For private buyers, the increasing cost of new cars has turned vehicle ownership into a luxury, further narrowing the consumer market.

Public skepticism, fueled by misinformation and negative media, amplifies the uncertainty and further slows the uptake of electric mobility. Infrastructure challenges, such as grid congestion and limited charging options for households without driveways, deepen consumer hesitation. In the sector, skepticism toward electric vehicles also lives, with interviewees expressing a preference for internal combustion engine vehicles. This sentiment influences the transition, as companies remain cautious about electrification.

The Technological Innovation Systems framework highlights weakening feedback loops, particularly between market formation and legitimization. While financial incentives initially stimulated demand and public support, the phase-out of subsidies has reduced societal acceptance and confidence in long-term electrification goals. Companies face additional barriers in resource mobilization, as they must divide investments between internal combustion engines and electric technologies. This division boosts skepticism both within the sector and among consumers. Together, these challenges form a cycle of doubt that slows progress.

To address these challenges, companies must shift from reactive strategies to long-term ones, prioritizing sustainable mobility. These strategies include advocating for consistent policies, building consumer trust through practical measures such as test drives, and facilitating a robust second-hand electric vehicle market. Diversifying business models with mobility solutions can stabilize revenues while enhancing consumer relationships. Moreover, lobbying for plug-in hybrid vehicles and e-fuels as transitional technologies provides a practical pathway for broader participation in the electrification process.