Deducing of an Automobile Design for an Electric Vehicle (EV): Perspective of Technological Acceptance Model (TAM)

Abstract

Research looks at the integration of the EV in the Ghanaian market from textual analysis and the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) point of view to aid in an EV design. This information systems theory models how users come to accept and use a technology. The model use purposive random sampling of stratums from various transports stations and public drivers by considering; Perceived usefulness (PU) and Perceived ease-of-use (PEOU). In the study, it was observed that about 76% of the respondents said they were willing to use an EV if they are available in the Ghanaian market whilst 24% said they will not use and EV. There was also textual analysis of the existing EV to develop a proposed EV which will forgo the major challenges like the frequent charging and avoid the use of fuel completely. Therefore, the research is to seek an alternative EV which avoids the use of continuous charging of batteries, fuel, power density problems and poor life time performance. It was noticed that about 33% of the respondents said their reason for willing to use EV was to save cost, 25% stated for comfort, 18% were also will for the purposes of no fuel use and 13% for EV will be least expensive. Therefore, the research concluded that, for a EV to be acceptable, it has to have the characteristics of being cost efficient, environmental cleanliness, good performance and convenience in usage.