The introduction of electric vehicles provides opportunities for new mobility solutions. The extent to which these opportunities are realised depends on the accompanying regulatory framework. Current regulatory frameworks have developed around the internal combustion engine (ICE) and in response to observed problems - an example being the initial development of the FMVSS. For e-mobility, these frameworks need to be revisited and adapted for the new mobility paradigm. The problem faced by regulators is the accelerated pace of technology change is incompatible with the pace of regulatory development. Although the problems associated with the move to e-mobility are understood, the issue has been how to ensure that the transition to a regulatory framework is conducive to the introduction and continuing innovation in the e-mobility sector whilst avoiding technology lock-in. The approach taken here is to develop and trial a methodology that looks to prioritise the problems and to enable the regulator to focus on development of regulation in parallel to the uptake of e-mobility. The proposed approach consists of three phases. These are:​ a thematic analysis - to provide a measure of e-mobility development;​ a functional system breakdown - to identify the areas in which regulation is challenged;​ and a failure mode effect analysis - to prioritise the development of regulation in those areas in which are found to be deficient.

This work is ongoing and as such only the methodology is described in this paper with the use of exemplars. The work is part of the ENEVATE project, which is a JTS INTERREG IVB funded project.