Understanding the Emergence and Social Acceptance of Electric Vehicles as Next-Generation Models for the Automobile Industry

Eunil Park,Jooyoung Lim,Yongwoo Cho

doi:10.3390/su10030662

Abstract

This study explores potential factors of drivers’ intentions to use electric vehicles and proposes an integrated adoption model. Results of a structural equation modeling analysis with 988 samples indicate that drivers’ intentions are predicted by one negative factor (cost) and three positive ones (satisfaction, usefulness, and attitude). In addition, the total standardized effects of potential factors on the intention are computed. The current study also validates the original technology acceptance model. Based on the results of the current study, practical and academic implications with potential limitations are examined and presented.

Highlights

With increased social interest in the environment, more attention is being paid to the transportation sector, which is considered a key contributor to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions
This study addresses two research questions: (A) what driver-oriented variables motivate intentions to use electric vehicles (EVs)? And (B) can the original technology acceptance model (TAM) validly be applied to EVs?
Based on one of the most widely employed user-oriented models, the statistical results indicated that the original TAM is valid for elucidating driver acceptance of EVs, and a sequential structural relationship of perceived enjoyment—satisfaction—attitude—intention is supported for explaining acceptance

Summary

Introduction

With increased social interest in the environment, more attention is being paid to the transportation sector, which is considered a key contributor to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Several nations are attempting to reduce GHG emissions and environmental pollution by the transportation sector by decreasing the use of fossil fuels. Electric vehicles (EVs) are regarded as one of the most promising approaches in the transportation sector [2]. The U.S National Resources Defense Council (2007) found that EVs can contribute toward handling several environmental problems [3]. With this positive effect in mind, the majority of vehicle manufacturing companies are developing, introducing, and selling EVs [4]

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion