Abstract
Electric vehicles (EVs) are promoted as key to achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs), yet in grid-constrained, unequal contexts like South Africa it is unclear whether public perceptions support this transition. This study addresses the limited evidence on how urban residents in Gauteng understand EVs, the SDGs, and the trade-offs between affordability, reliability, and socioeconomic priorities. The study investigates public perceptions, perceived barriers, and policy implications of EV adoption among residents of Gauteng Province, South Africa within an SDG perspective and guided by the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). A mixed-methods survey of 66 respondents was conducted, combining descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and qualitative thematic analysis. Respondents expressed generally positive but cautious attitudes toward EVs and most strongly associated them with SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), although about one-third were unfamiliar with the SDGs. Affordability and infrastructure dominated as barriers, particularly high upfront costs, limited charging networks, and unreliable electricity supply, while environmental benefits and long-term cost savings motivated interest. Perceptions of EV convenience and energy reliability were decisive: favourable EV views were weakly but significantly associated with stronger SDG perceptions (r = 0.318, p = 0.009), and perceived inconvenience was strongly negatively associated with overall attitude (r = −0.611, p < 0.001). Qualitative responses suggested that EVs are seen as relevant to long-term sustainability but secondary to immediate concerns such as poverty, inequality, and basic service delivery. The findings indicate that EV policy in South Africa must simultaneously address affordability, grid reliability, and public trust if uptake is to support just and inclusive SDG-aligned mobility transitions. The study recommends broader, representative surveys and communication strategies to refine EV policy pathways and inform future frameworks on sustainable transport planning in the Global South.