The Willingness to Purchase Electric Vehicles: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

This paper aims to comprehensively investigate the multifaceted factors influencing consumers’ willingness to purchase electric vehicles (EVs), providing a deeper understanding of the drivers behind EV adoption. The study draws on various scholarly sources to examine the intricate relationships among multiple determinants, including environmental concern, performance expectations, effort expectancy, charging point networks, charging time, price, operational costs, incentives, and attitude toward EVs. These factors are analyzed within a conceptual framework, highlighting the pivotal role of attitude as a mediating variable. The review reveals that environmental concern, driven by awareness of the ecological impact of conventional vehicles, motivates individuals to opt for EVs as a more sustainable mode of transportation. Performance expectations, such as energy efficiency and emission reduction, significantly influence consumer preferences. Effort expectancy, indicating the ease of using EV technology, plays a critical role in adoption decisions. Charging infrastructure, both availability and accessibility, is a crucial facilitator of EV adoption, emphasizing the importance of robust charging networks. Concerns about charging time underscore the need for faster and more convenient recharging methods. Price remains a barrier, with high initial costs, although operational cost advantages make EVs economically appealing. Depending on the region, government incentives have varying effectiveness in reducing financial barriers to EV adoption. Attitude toward EVs, acting as a mediating variable, highlights the importance of positive perceptions in shaping consumer intentions. This study offers a comprehensive review of the interplay of factors influencing EV adoption, providing a holistic view of consumer decision-making in the EV market. It emphasizes the need for further empirical research to validate and extend the proposed model. It offers valuable insights for policymakers, manufacturers, and researchers in promoting sustainable transportation solutions and accelerating EV adoption in response to environmental concerns.