Indian Management Students' Electric Car Purchase Intention

Abstract

This study uses structural equation modeling to understand the purchase intention of postgraduate management students who are expected to be early adopters of electric cars (e-cars). Based on the sample of 436 students from India, the results indicate that environmental concern is the most important factor influencing purchase intention. However, the students also prefer an automotive design and value social norms. The study also identifies that government policy influences purchase intention through the mediation of charging and driving convenience. These findings imply that the government's adoption of electric vehicle policy might boost the production of and demand for e-cars in the country. Furthermore, producers can gain a competitive edge by addressing driving convenience, charging convenience, and vehicle design, and by highlighting the environmental benefits of e-cars.