Priorities and practises for developing low carbon vehicle networks in small open economies

The opportunities presented by the emerging green economy offer a variety of solutions to pressing, social, economic, technological and environmental questions. The exploitation of renewable, clean energy sources would offer not just a solution to environmental and health concerns but also the potential for business growth that could help reprieve stricken economies. One of the key sectors of the green economy is that of transport and significant efforts have been made by national and supranational actors to promote the emerging low carbon vehicle. While emission reduction remains the over-riding priority driving the move toward carbon-free motoring, other factors also influence the decision of national actors to develop electric vehicle (EV) networks in particular. This article examines the priorities for small open, economies (SOEs) in developing these networks using the examples of Israel, Denmark and in particular that of Ireland.