This study looked at several factors that would encourage and discourage respondents from adopting an EV. The main positive attributes of EVs preferred by the respondents are reduced fossil fuel use, energy efficiency, environmental friendliness, elegance, and style. On the other hand, they cited many factors that might deter them from purchasing an EV. Some of these factors include a lack of sufficient service stations and skilled technicians, a limited driving range, longer charging times, and low resale value. Earlier studies (e.g., Ghasri et al., 2019; Asadi et al., 2021; Bansal et al., 2021; Jung et al., 2021) in different countries also reported similar factors when they examined people's preferences to buy an EV.
We examined the associations between socio-demographic traits and the motivators (both positive and negative) that affect respondents’ decisions to buy an EV. We observed differences between males and females in a few positive aspects. When compared to men, women demonstrated a noticeably larger propensity for some characteristics of EVs, such as being prestigious, stylish, and exquisite. Nevertheless, compared to men, their chance of buying an EV was far lower. According to Ghasri et al. (2019), women tend to think that EVs have better designs, are safer, and have less of an impact on the environment. However, according to Buhmann and Criado (2023), men appeared to favor EVs more. We discovered that older respondents were more inclined to purchase an EV than younger respondents. According to a European study, people are more likely to favor electric vehicles (EVs) if they are older (Buhmann and Criado, 2023).
Higher education levels among the respondents (beyond secondary schooling) were highly correlated with a number of positive attributes, such as EVs' longer lifespan, reduced maintenance costs, environmental friendliness, energy efficiency, and quieter operation. According to earlier research, those with a bachelor's degree or less typically know less than people with higher education about the many benefits of EVs, such as energy efficiency and pollution reduction (Bansal et al., 2021; Ghasri et al., 2019). Purchasing an EV is more likely for those with greater levels of education (Buhmann and Criado, 2023; Ghasri et al., 2019; Hidrue et al., 2011; Mukherjee and Ryan, 2020). Our data, however, contradict this prediction (that educated people would purchase an EV), which may be because EVs are more expensive. The desire for EVs declines with an increase in their purchasing price (Bansal et al., 2021; Bjerkan et al., 2016; Buhmann and Criado, 2023; Cecere et al., 2018). We discovered that respondents were more likely to buy an EV if their income was higher. Higher income is associated with a higher likelihood of becoming a possible buyer of an EV, among other factors such as age and green behavior, according to research (e.g., Bjerkan et al., 2016; Buhmann and Criado, 2023; Nie et al., 2018). Many of the favorable characteristics and the respondents' desire to buy an EV were also substantially correlated with their level of awareness about EVs. According to earlier studies, consumers' perceived utility of EVs and their intention to adopt them were favorably and significantly correlated with their knowledge and experience (Krause et al., 2013; Huang and Ge, 2019; Huang et al., 2021).
In addition to the positive qualities of EVs mentioned above, there are several negative variables that are strongly correlated with the respondents’ characteristics. A few factors, such as an elevated cost, a restricted driving range and number of charging stations, difficulties in achieving a smooth charging experience due to power outages, the generation of hazardous chemicals and e-waste from batteries, and a dearth of battery recycling facilities, are strongly correlated with the degree of education, occupation, awareness, and prior knowledge regarding EVs. The main obstacles to EV adoption, according to an Indian study by Bansal et al. (2021), are restricted driving range, delayed charging times, higher purchasing prices, and a lack of fast-charging facilities. According to Pamidimukkala et al. (2023), the main barriers to EV adoption in the United States are their high purchase prices, a lack of public charging stations, and the high cost of replacing batteries. Battery-related challenges to EV adoption include the short lifespan of EV batteries, the absence of a standard recycling procedure, and the production of many hazardous chemicals (Chidambaram et al., 2023). Extremely hazardous compounds found in EV batteries pose a risk to both the ecosystems and the users (Muller et al., 2021).