Material Itineraries of Electric Tuk- Tuks: The Challenges of Green Urban Development in Laos

A sustainable transport project aimed at introducing electric vehicles (EVs) to Laos faced significant challenges, ultimately leading to their disappearance from the UNESCO World Heritage town of Luang Prabang. The study reveals that the material itineraries of EVs were shaped by network extensions and cuts, influenced by the contexts of more-or-less urban places. Initially envisioned as a broader EV network in Vientiane and other towns, the project was downscaled to a small-scale implementation in Luang Prabang. This case study provides insights into the complexities of green urban development in Laos and Southeast Asia, highlighting the significant hurdles that can hinder the adoption of environmentally-friendly transportation systems.

Namba, M. (2021). Material Itineraries of Electric Tuk- Tuks: The Challenges of Green Urban Development in Laos. East Asian Science, Technology and Society: An International Journal, 15(2), 173–191. https://doi.org/10.1080/18752160.2021.1897737