CONSUMER FACTORS INFLUENCING ELECTRIC VEHICLE PURCHASE INTENTION IN CHENNAI

Abstract

Electric vehicles (EVs) are widely seen as central to sustainable transport, yet consumer adoption depends on psychological and perceptual factors as well as price and technology. This proposed study examines whether environmental awareness, social influence, perceived cost savings, perceived government incentives and EV brand image are associated with EV purchase intention among consumers in Chennai, India. Grounded in an extended Theory of Planned Behaviour, the study adopts a quantitative, cross-sectional, descriptive-correlational design. Data will be collected from a planned convenience sample of 100 Chennai residents aged 18 years and above who are aware of EVs, using a structured online questionnaire with 24 five-point Likert items (four per construct) and categorical questions on adoption barriers. The analysis will use descriptive statistics, Cronbach's alpha, Pearson or Spearman correlation, multiple regression and chi-square tests, as appropriate to the data. Because primary data have not yet been collected, no empirical findings are reported; the paper sets out the rationale, conceptual framework, hypotheses, instrument and analysis plan. The study is expected to provide an exploratory, locally grounded account of the factors consumers weigh when considering an EV.