When the snowstorm stops the electric car - new research shows the challenges of rural areas in the climate transition

In northern Sweden, there are no or little margins. Here, an unexpected hospital visit or a snowstorm can determine whether people dare to rely on fossil-free transport alternatives. In her doctoral thesis at Luleå University of Technology, Margareta Westin shows that safety is important for people to dare to replace the fossil-fueled car.

- A single trip that does not work can make people dismiss the whole idea of fossil-free alternatives. That's why I call them limit-setting journeys, says Margareta Westin, newly awarded PhD in Architecture at Luleå University of Technology. Three situations in particular can be sensitive and difficult to handle; tough conditions such as long distances and weather, travel where people lack control over their travel, and unforeseen events.

Being able to manage everyday life

Westin's research is based on focus groups with residents and officials in six small communities in Norrbotten and Västerbotten. The results show that a large number of trips and needs can often be solved fossil-free, but that it is a smaller number of trips that dimension all trips and set the limit. The car has become a safety net for dealing with all kinds of situations in people's everyday lives, because when people choose, it is not enough that it "usually" works.

- Many people want to change but feel that the alternatives are not realistic in their everyday lives. That leaves the car and the car becomes a way to take control. Relying solely on public transport or carpooling is perceived by many as risky in order to deal with unplanned events. Electric cars, on the other hand, take time to charge, and a common concern for people is not having time to charge or forgetting to charge. It also takes time to charge which means the car is not available during this time. With a regular car, you can also have a spare tank of fuel and there is no equivalent for the electric car," continues Margareta Westin.

A question of fairness

Although rural areas account for a small share of total emissions, her research shows that the fairness aspect is central. Everyone must have the opportunity to make the transition, otherwise there is a risk that the gap between urban and rural areas will widen. The thesis shows that the solutions are not just about electric cars and charging points. Digital services, local service points and strong local communities can be equally important pieces of the puzzle. But villages cannot bear all the responsibility themselves, public support is needed to build long-term and equitable systems. It is also important to address

Going forward, it is therefore important to work to ensure that people feel that the alternatives meet their needs. There is a need for more in-depth knowledge about the needs that exist and to create new safe and accessible solutions, more reliable public transport, better information and "back up" systems are needed even when it does not work or for the most difficult journeys.

Inspiration from those who have already made the switch

Margareta Westin also highlights all those who have already found ways to travel more fossil-free. Many have developed routines and strategies to make everyday life work, for example by planning charging stops in advance, coordinating errands or asking neighbors for help. She believes that these experiences are important to take advantage of and there is potential to find solutions that can be scaled up.

"I am inspired by all the people who have already done a lot to make the transition. They have focused on what can be changed and found ways to compensate when it is not possible. I think it is important to look at their experiences to find solutions for the future. It's about social sustainability. If people are to want to change, they must feel that they can live a good life even with new solutions," says Margareta Westin.