Urbanie & Urbanus

Issue 2026 Jan

AI and Urban Design

Societal Embedding of Innovation: Current Transitions in Electric Vehicle Roadside Charging Infrastructure (EVRCI) Provision

Barry D Wilson

FHKIUD . FHKILA . FCABE . CMLI . HKRLA . HKICAdj
President HKIUD
Adjunct Assistant Professor - University of Hong Kong
Panel of Arbitrators - SCIA(HK) . SCIA . HIAC

Abstract

This paper considers the current situation of Electric Vehicle Roadside Charging Infrastructure roll-out, utilising qualitative data obtained from a small research study identifying perceptions of impacts and concerns arising across global scenarios from roadside infrastructure. It places them within the context of the Theory of Transitions, utilising recent developments in socio-technical theory as the basis for examination. In particular it focuses on the potential for social and environmental impacts from technology innovation by gaining a better understanding of the full extent of stakeholders involved and processes at play beyond those of mere demand and supply; considering wider, macro level contributory factors that are necessary for successful innovation diffusion of new technology.