Electric vehicles in the business processes and sustainable development

Abstract

Purpose The study aimed at analyzing operations managers’ perception of the use of electric vehicles (EVs) in business processes and its impact on overall business process cost (BPC) and sustainable development (SD). Design/methodology/approach The present study adopts the triangulation approach which is a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods. The data was collected using structured and scientifically tested questionnaires from the industrial managers working in the industries in the Mysore region of Karnataka. Descriptive statistics, factor analysis and structural equation models were employed to analyze and interpret the data. Findings The findings revealed that the usage of EVs in Business Processes significantly impacts the BPC (b = 0.851, t = 8.037, p < 0.01) and it is also the usage of EVs in business processes can significantly impact SD (b = 0.889, t = 7.923, p < 0.01). Thus, the adoption of EVs in the business process offers many benefits to business organizations such as minimized operational costs, an eco-friendly business model, more tax incentives, less BPCs, a low-emission footprint and a contribution towards SD at large. Practical implications Many business organizations operating in the present time show interest in employing EVs in their business processes. Hence, before introducing EVs in industries on a large scale, it becomes imperative to obtain the perception of industrial managers who have already experienced its impact. This study may help industrial organizations to understand the impact of EV on various aspects of the business and to design a business model which would help in achieving SD goals. Originality/value The use of EVs in the daily life of human beings and business activities is gaining importance because of the various positive impacts. Therefore, it is necessary to understand industrial managers’ opinions regarding the use of EV in business activities.