Public lecture: The economics of electric vehicles

About

The Melbourne Energy Institute, in conjunction with the Melbourne Environmental Data Analytics Lab (MEDAL) within the Faculty of Business and Economics, invites you to a public lecture by Associate Professor Teevrat Garg of University of California.

Nearly every path to decarbonisation includes electrification of light-duty transportation infrastructure. However, several challenges remain to achieving this reality.

In this lecture, Professor Garg will discuss the economics of decarbonising parts of the transportation sector, highlighting various challenges and opportunities in the adoption, use and charging of passenger vehicles. He will also highlight knowledge gaps that need to be resolved to achieve cost-effective decarbonisation of light-duty transportation.

The seminar will conclude with a panel discussion and Q&A session.

Attend in person

Presenter

A/Prof Teevrat Garg
Associate Professor of Economics
School of Global Policy and Strategy
University of California - San Diego

Teevrat Garg's research focusses on environmental policy and energy transitions in low- and middle-income countries. His current portfolio of research involves working directly with regional governments and utilities in understanding climate adaptation and decarbonization.

In recent years, he has conducted research in India, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Mexico, Uganda and Vietnam. Teevrat’s work has been published in leading academic journals and covered by prominent media outlets such as the New York Times and Science Magazine. His policy engagements include serving as an Academic Advisor to the Green Growth Initiative at the International Growth Center and serving as a Technical Contributor to the 5th National Climate Assessment. He currently serves as the editor of the Journal of the Association of Environmental and Resource Economists (JAERE).

Prior to joining University of California, Professor Garg was a postdoctoral fellow at the London School of Economics and Political Science. He received a B.A. in Economics and a B.S. in Mathematics from Lafayette College in 2010, and a PhD. in Applied Economics and Management from Cornell University in 2015.

Moderator

Dr. Sebastian Tebbe
Senior Lecturer
Dept of Economics
Faculty of Business and Economics

Sebastian is also a Research Affiliate at CESifo. Prior to that, he was a Postdoctoral Fellow at the School of Global Policy and Strategy at the University of California, San Diego, receiving his PhD from the Institute of International Economic Studies in 2023. His research primarily delves into the decarbonisation of the transport sector, encompassing two core areas:

• the investigation of factors influencing electric vehicle (EV) adoption; and
• the assessment of policies facilitating the transition to low-emission transportation.

Current research is specifically centred on designing congestion charges and charging infrastructure, social interactions in EV adoption, EV weight dynamics, the fuel efficiency of heavy-duty vehicles, and targeting EV subsidies.

Panellists

Dr. Jonathan Spear
Chief Executive Officer
Infrastructure Victoria

Dr Jonathan Spear is the Chief Executive Officer of Infrastructure Victoria, leading the state’s 30-year infrastructure strategy and providing independent advice to the Victorian Government. Before joining Infrastructure Victoria in 2015, he held senior executive roles with the Department of Premier and Cabinet, Department of Justice, Victoria Police and in legal practice. Jonathan holds a PhD in History, an Executive Master of Public Administration, a Master of Laws, and Honours degrees in Law and Arts. He is also a legal practitioner, a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and the Williamson Community Leadership Program, and a director of the Melbourne Forum.

Jo Cannington
Director of City Strategy
City of Melbourne

Jo Cannington is the Director of City Strategy at the City of Melbourne, where she leads strategic planning to support inclusive, sustainable and evidence-based outcomes for the city. With over 25 years of professional experience across local, state, and international contexts, she brings deep expertise in city strategy, planning, and community engagement. Jo has held senior roles in both government and consultancy, including leadership positions at Ethos Urban and Social Fabric, and she also tutors at Monash University. Jo holds a master’s degree in planning and environment from RMIT University, and her work is widely recognised for advancing inclusive and data-driven approaches to city planning.

DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed are those of the presenter and do not necessarily reflect the official position of The Melbourne Energy Institute and The University of Melbourne.

The Melbourne Energy Institute welcomes broad discussion. Please engage respectfully and considerately with all perspectives.