Women’s attitudes towards electromobility

Abstract

This article explores the relationship between gender and electromobility in Santiago, Chile, through a survey focusing on how women adopt electric mobility practices in a carbon neutrality context. The primary aim is to understand women's attitudes toward electromobility and their willingness to shift their transportation habits toward more sustainable modes. The methodology includes a telephone survey of adult women in four municipalities of the Santiago Metropolitan Region: La Pintana, San Miguel, Ñuñoa, and Las Condes, exploring their experiences and perceptions of different electric transport modes. The results reveal a predominant use of the subway (metro train), which is already an electric mode. Regarding other electric modes, although there is general awareness of the environmental benefits of electromobility, the adoption of electric vehicles and e-bikes is conditioned by economic, social, and infrastructure factors. Women in lower-income municipalities are highly willing to adopt electric modes only if economic and accessibility barriers are overcome. The findings highlight the need for inclusive and equitable policies that promote electric mobility, address existing inequalities in access to technologies, and improve user safety perceptions.