Examining trust as a critical factor for the adoption of electric vehicle sharing via necessary condition analysis

This study aimed to deepen our understanding of the necessary conditions for the adoption of electric car sharing. Given the identified sufficient factors (should-have), our study focused on identifying those that are necessary (must-have). Specifically, we investigated the role of trust as a critical, necessary factor for the success of an electric car sharing scheme. We conceptualized the intention to use electric car sharing within an extended framework of planned behavior, incorporating trust beliefs. Using survey data from 317 Taiwanese respondents, we employed necessary condition analysis in combination with partial least squares structural equation modelling. Key findings include (1) Trust is not directly associated with adoption intention; however, it plays an indirect role in intention formation and is a must-have factor for the adoption of electric car sharing. (2) Social pressure was found to be neither sufficient nor necessary for usage intention. However, a distinct lack of social pressure appears to guarantee the failure of electric car sharing adoption. (3) Our results confirm both conceptual and empirical claims that positive attitudes toward, and control perceptions about, electric car sharing are both sufficient and necessary for adoption. The implications for both practitioners and researchers are discussed in detail. • We examine factors influencing the adoption of electric carsharing. • Necessary condition analysis identifies factors critical for success. • Trust does not drive adoption, but is a necessity, must-have factor. • Social pressure drives adoption, but is only a sufficiency, should-have factor. • Positive attitude and control perception are sufficient and necessary for adoption.