https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/114750 2026-04-15T04:48:44Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/119013 Title: Towards a zero-carbon future : investigating the barriers that are limiting the adoption of electric vehicles in the Maltese islands Abstract: As part of the national strategy in promoting sustainable development, the Maltese government is encouraging the adoption of electric vehicles in the Maltese Islands by providing consumers financial incentives. Yet, electric vehicle ownership results to be still very low. This study provides an understanding of the main barriers that are limiting the adoption of electric vehicles, considering also the effectivity of the vehicle's purchase price and running costs on consumers' decisions. The efficacy of current financial incentives is also evaluated to establish if such incentives are determinant in incrementing sales. Data collection was performed utilising an online questionnaire to individuals of 18 years of age and over, including both consumers who possess a driving licence and those who do not. The questionnaire survey was structured in three sections: the demographic section, Likert Scales and stated choice experiments. The demographic section gives a picture of the demography of the sample population, also providing valuable information in establishing the trends and patterns associated with electric vehicle purchase among different socio-demographic groups in the Maltese society. Likert scales evaluated consumer attitude, perceptions and knowledge towards electric vehicle adoption while stated choice experiments focused on economic factors considered as barriers in the adoption of such vehicles. The data obtained from the questionnaire survey was processed statistically employing crosstabulation, Chi-Square tests and the Multinomial logit model. Crosstabulation evaluated the association between individual socio-demographic variables and electric vehicle purchase, while Chi-Square tests examined the significance of each association. On the other hand, the Multinomial logit model assessed the effectiveness of purchase price, road licence cost, fuel/charging cost and battery replacement cost on the choice of the type of vehicle purchase. Furthermore, the statistical output was also supported by various graphical representations. This study concludes that purchase price and running costs result to be influential in determining consumers' decision on whether to purchase or otherwise an electric vehicle. Knowledge about such vehicles is still limited among the general public, therefore effective informative campaigns are necessary to increase awareness and reduce perceived risks associated with electric vehicles, which may arise when consumers perform purchase decisions based on heuristics (assumptions based on mental shortcuts). The findings of this research may result helpful when designing policies which aim in promoting an increase in the adoption of electric vehicles in the Maltese Islands, thus, contributing in reaching the target of carbon neutrality. Description: M.Sc.(Melit.) 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/118999 Title: Electric vehicle use and its influence on travel behaviour in Malta Abstract: The use of Electric Vehicles (EVs) has long been encouraged to enhance environmental sustainability. This is because as opposed to conventional vehicles, EVs produce no exhaust gas emissions from their tailpipes and can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, particularly if the electricity is produced from renewable energy sources. While many studies suggest the widespread use of EVs due to its benefits on the environment, other studies suggest the opposite. This is because the benefits of EVs have raised some concerns as switching from an ICEV to an EV may alter the travel behaviour of its users. Therefore, this study analyses a variety of travel behaviour outcomes as it looks at how the use of EVs affects daily travel among EV users in Malta. This study explores whether the widespread use of EVs influences the travel behaviour of the driver as it compares the number of weekly trips performed by EV drivers as they transition from driving an ICEV to an EV. Through the distribution of a survey, the results suggest that EVs are perceived by the respondents to be more environmentally friendly than other transport modes. However, according to the results EV users make more trips when driving their EV. Overall, the major findings indicate that the widespread usage of EVs in Malta has an impact on EV users' travel patterns, which may in turn exacerbate Malta's ongoing issues with traffic congestion and parking shortages. Description: M.Sc.(Melit.) 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/115736 Title: Rerouting municipal waste collection in Malta : an examination of waste collection routes with proposed new systems using GIS methodology Abstract: Kerbside collection of waste is not often included as part of carbon footprint analysis in view that it constitutes about five percent of the carbon emissions generated by the waste collection and treatment system. However, it also represents the most expensive functional element in the entire waste management process, reaching as high as 75 percent of all costs in the total municipal solid waste (MSW) management system. Most costs relate to fuel, together with labour costs. Fuel consumption results in various pollutants, predominantly carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide, which are of major concern due to their contribution to global warming and acid rain. In Malta, transport emissions reach 14 percent of total emissions which is significantly higher than the European average which generally reaches 5 percent Currently there is no fixed collection route for waste collection. Routes are left to the drivers who devise a route simply on their experience. Therefore, room for improvement is clearly present and it is necessary to find an optimal solution to reduce fuel consumption and minimize emissions. This research uses Geographic Information Systems (GIS) through the ArcGIS Network Analyst application to optimize routes by enhancing the efficiency of waste collection and transportation in the cities of Mellieħa and Attard, Malta. The model that is created is based on data collection involving the Global Positioning System tracking including bin position, (landfill) and collection route as variables. Key performance indicators of the existing practice are estimated. Following this, potential optimal scenarios were developed and compared to the existing collection routes. Results indicate that the proposed scenarios have direct positive impacts on vehicle operating times with operational cost savings and reduced carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxide, and particle emissions. Description: M.Sc.(Melit.) 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z