Who will adopt? Investigating the adoption intention for battery swap technology for electric vehicles

Abstract

Range satisfaction and “refueling” of battery electric vehicles (EVs) have become a major challenge hampering consumer acceptance. Battery Swap Technology (BST) is a trusted option in mitigating these obstacles. Available studies are yet to explore the psychological determinants of consumers' BST adoption intention. In addressing this gap, this study used a framework encompassing the technology acceptance model (TAM), theory of planned behavior (TPB), perceived risk, and knowledge in investigating consumers' adoption intention of BST using structural equation modeling. With responses from Chinese consumers in the Jiangsu province (n = 405), the results revealed that the structural model had a better fit and explanatory power (R2 = 0.58). Perceived usefulness, attitude, subjective norm, and knowledge positively influenced adoption intention towards battery swap technology. Perceived risk was negatively linked to attitude, perceived usefulness, and adoption intention, whiles perceived behavior control (PBC) was insignificant towards BST adoption intention. Also, knowledge fully mediated PBC and adoption intention. The findings confirmed that consumers' adoption intention differed by gender, family size, and residency type. The study provides meaningful policy implications to stakeholders to enhance adoption and enriches the understanding of consumers’ adoption intentions in the context of battery swap technology.