Mapping the electric vehicle adoption scholarship for sustainability: an integrated theoretical framework and future research directions

Purpose Electric vehicle adoption (EVA) drives sustainability by significantly reducing carbon emissions and reliance on fossil fuels. Despite EVA’s notable advantages from existing literature and its evolving nature, a gap persists in evaluating EVA research. This research presents a systematic literature review, offering insights into the current state of EVA advancements. Design/methodology/approach This study amalgamates various factors influencing EVA and elucidates their associations, fostering sustainable transportation. To evaluate progress in this domain, we adopt the Theory-Context-Characteristics-Methodology (TCCM) framework, systematically assessing the theories, contextual factors, characteristics and methodologies employed in EVA research to support efficient decision-making. Findings The study reveals 18 theories, prominently including the theory of planned behavior, innovation diffusion theory, technology acceptance model and UTAUT. The study identifies diverse factors such as perceived risk, effort expectancy, social norms, performance expectancy, government policy, personal norms, attitude, perceived behavioral control, subjective norms, demographics and ecological knowledge as pivotal in shaping attitudes and intentions toward electric vehicle adoption. Furthermore, structured equation modeling emerges as the predominant methodology, while including alternative approaches enriches the methodological landscape, contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of the factors driving EV adoption. Practical implications The insights gained from this research can inform policymakers, manufacturers and researchers, ultimately contributing to the global transition towards more sustainable transportation solutions. Originality/value This research’s cardinal contribution lies in developing an integrated theoretical framework, a novel approach that offers a structured and holistic perspective on the multifaceted determinants of EVA. This framework not only illuminates the intricate relationships among these variables but also opens up exciting avenues for future research.