Learning from an electromobility living lab: Experiences from the Estonian ELMO programme

•For fast market uptake of electromobility the active role of government is crucial.•Policies for supporting electromobility must have a systemic approach.•The protection phase-out process should be planned at an early stage as well.•Innovative and sharing economy business models can enhance consumer acceptance.•Local market pilots are valuable for companies before heading to export markets.

The article provides insights into the setting up of the Estonian electromobility pilot programme (ELMO) and evaluates its first outcomes. The uniqueness of the Estonian case lies in its nationwide scale and extremely fast implementation. In the middle of 2010 the government initiated the ELMO programme as part of the larger project for using excess carbon emission quotas for emission reduction projects. The programme also contained the building of the first nationwide electric car quick charging network in the world. This paper focuses on the underlying objectives at different spatial levels and the setting up of the feedback mechanisms according to the living lab framework. In order to provide recommendations for effective policy measures for fostering the diffusion of radical innovations like electromobility, a holistic view proves to be essential. The case study aims to offer overview of experiences that either could be copied or should be avoided when planning and executing electromobility pilot projects in follower countries.

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