Abstract
This systematic literature review examines how transformational leadership influences electric vehicle (EV) adoption across organizational and individual dimensions. Addressing critical gaps in understanding leadership influence propagation throughout the EV adoption ecosystem, the study explores temporal evolution, theoretical frameworks, leadership effectiveness, and stakeholder roles. Using PRISMA 2020 protocols with a dual-stream search approach, we analyzed peer-reviewed Scopus articles (2020-2025), yielding 94 initial articles refined to 53 methodologically relevant studies. Results reveal transformational leadership as critical in EV adoption pace, with publications peaking at 28 in 2023 a 155% annual increase. Geographically, Asia contributes 38% of studies, followed by Europe (30%), with significant gaps in Africa and South America. Methodologically, 56.4% employ quantitative approaches, potentially overlooking contextual complexities. Thematic analysis identifies eight primary research themes, dominated by sustainability-driven transformation and technological innovation. Comparative analysis demonstrates transformational leadership's superior effectiveness in addressing organizational readiness and individual adoption psychology versus other leadership styles. Synthesising diverse theoretical frameworks, we develop an Input-Process-Output model conceptualising how transformational leadership mediates between environmental conditions and adoption outcomes. This review contributes: (1) a comprehensive framework explaining leadership influence propagation through the EV adoption ecosystem, and (2) practical insights for accelerating electric mobility transitions through effective leadership approaches.