India’s EV Adoption Barriers: Costs, Charging, and Consumer Confidence

In the quest for sustainable mobility, electric vehicles (EVs) are seen as a beacon of hope, promising to reduce emissions and combat climate change. Yet, despite global efforts, EV adoption in developing nations has been sluggish, leaving a significant gap in the transition from gasoline-powered vehicles. A recent study published in the journal “Energy Strategy Reviews” (translated from “Energy Strategy Reviews”) sheds light on the complex dynamics influencing EV adoption in India, offering valuable insights for policymakers, automakers, and energy stakeholders.

The study, led by Amit Kumar Gupta from the Management Development Institute Gurgaon, introduces a novel socio-psychological model that integrates the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB), Value-Attitude-Behaviour (VAB) Hierarchy, and the Theory of Consumption Values (TCV). This integrated approach provides a comprehensive framework to understand the factors driving EV adoption, bridging behavioral intention, value-linked antecedents, and contextual consumption trade-offs.

“Our study reveals that key factors such as maintenance and battery replacement costs, as well as vehicle performance, play a pivotal role in shaping consumer intention to adopt EVs,” Gupta explains. The research highlights that government incentive policies and on-demand charging facilities act as significant moderating variables, further facilitating the shift toward eco-friendly transportation.

The study employed Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) using Warp-PLS 8.0 on 626 clean samples to analyze the complex model. The findings underscore the importance of addressing maintenance and battery replacement costs to enhance consumer confidence in EVs. Additionally, the introduction of on-demand charging facilities as a new contextual factor demonstrated strong moderating potential to accelerate EV adoption.

“This research offers actionable insights for enhancing EV diffusion and promoting sustainability,” Gupta notes. The study’s confirmatory composite analysis strengthens the model’s reliability, reinforcing its contribution to environmental sustainability and cleaner mobility solutions.

The implications of this research are far-reaching for the energy sector. By understanding the socio-psychological factors influencing EV adoption, stakeholders can develop targeted strategies to overcome barriers and accelerate the transition to sustainable mobility. Automakers can focus on improving vehicle performance and reducing maintenance costs, while policymakers can design effective incentive policies and invest in on-demand charging infrastructure.

As the world grapples with the urgency of climate change, this study provides a crucial roadmap for promoting EV adoption in developing nations. By addressing the key factors identified in the research, stakeholders can pave the way for a cleaner, more sustainable future.

The study’s findings are particularly relevant for the energy sector, as the shift to EVs is expected to significantly impact energy demand and infrastructure. By understanding the dynamics of EV adoption, energy companies can better prepare for the transition and invest in the necessary infrastructure to support the growing EV market.

In conclusion, this research offers a comprehensive framework for understanding EV adoption, highlighting the importance of addressing maintenance and battery replacement costs, vehicle performance, and the role of government incentives and on-demand charging facilities. By leveraging these insights, stakeholders can accelerate the transition to sustainable mobility, contributing to a cleaner, more sustainable future.

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