Electric vehicles' choice behaviour: An emerging market scenario

Abstract

Worldwide, the adoption of electric automobiles is gaining momentum, owing to a steady rise in customers' sustainability consciousness. So far, electric vehicle-related studies have investigated consumer motives, attitudes, and intentions toward adoption. However, empirical research on enablers and inhibitors of electric vehicle choice behaviour has not been fully explored, particularly in an emerging market context, (e.g., India). The present study employed a judicious mix of three notable theoretical lenses of dual-factor theory, innovation resistance theory, and the stimulus-organism-response model to empirically scrutinize electric vehicle adoption enablers and inhibitors by analysing data collected from 391 young Indian sustainability-oriented electric vehicle users. The sample was gathered via the purposive sampling method, and the data was analysed employing structural equation and PROCESS macro modelling. The research posits that consumer sustainability consciousness (CSC) is a stimulus with a positive influence on enablers (e.g., personal motives, social motives, and incentive policy) as well as inhibitors (e.g., usage, value, and risk barriers). Additionally, product involvement and perceived marketplace influence significantly moderate the relationship between choice behaviour and facilitators and inhibitors. The research offers a few useful strategic decision-making insights for electric vehicle manufacturers, green marketers, and policymakers from emerging markets.

Keywords: Choice behaviour; Electric vehicles; Emerging market; Enablers; Inhibitors; Young consumers.