Does consideration for future consequences matter in consumer decision to rent electric vehicles?

Abstract

Electric vehicles are proposed to be desirable alternative to address the challenge of air pollution caused by the traditional automobile vehicles. In this research, the authors proposed and examined a conceptual model by utilizing the theoretical bases of Construal Level Theory, Norm Activation Model, and Theory of Planned Behavior to understand the renting intentions of consumers towards electric vehicles. Specifically, we examined the role of consideration for future consequences, environmental protection attitude, personal norms, environmental subjective norms and perceived functional quality on renting intentions of consumers. We examine the model with the survey data obtained from 395 respondents. From the analysis it was discovered that consideration for future consequences was positively linked to environmental protection attitude, perceived functional quality, personal norms and environmental subjective norms. Environmental subjective norms and personal norms were found as significant predictors of renting intentions. Whereas, the effects of environmental protection attitude and perceived functional quality on renting intentions were insignificant. The relationship between renting intentions on willingness to pay premium price was positive and significant. The moderating role of greenwashing intentions was not found to be significant. Lastly, we explicate the academic and managerial implications related to renting of electric vehicles.