Abstract
In this paper, the complexity in adoption of sustainable transport technology is analysed from a policy perspective. To this purpose, electric vehicles are taken as an example. First, the framework of increasing returns and lock-in is discussed. This is followed by an analysis of uncertainty that surrounds the adoption of electric vehicles and policy involvement. The way national governments respond to challenges of sustainable technologies is discussed next, based on empirical research in various European countries. The conclusion is that there is no single recipe for government involvement, except for a strong policy attention for the multi-actor and multidimension situation.