Understanding the influence of past driving experience on electric vehicle purchase intention in China

Electric vehicles (EVs) have emerged as a promising solution to meet the sustainability goals of the transport sector, particularly in the short term. A large number of countries have introduced initiatives and policies to encourage the adoption and transition to EVs. However, the market share of EVs remains relatively low in comparison to internal-combustion-engine vehicles, largely due to various concerns by consumers. In this paper, we propose an integrated model combining the theory of planned behaviour and the value-belief-norm theory, to specifically incorporate past EV driving experiences of current consumers and understand the factors influencing their EV purchase intentions in the context of China. Our findings identify attitudes and personal norms as the primary drivers of EV purchase intentions, with a significantly positive correlation between past EV driving experiences and the intention to purchase an EV. In addition, specific latent variables such as attitudes toward EVs, personal norms, subjective norms and perceived behaviour control partially mediate this relationship. The socio-demographic analysis indicates that female consumers, highly educated and middle-aged individuals, as well as residents of relatively more developed regions show a higher likelihood of purchasing EVs, based on their past EV driving experiences. These insights can add value for key stakeholders such as EV manufacturers, retailers, government authorities and policymakers when formulating more effective policies supporting the Sustainable Development Goals. • Integrates TPB and VBN models to better explain EV purchase behaviour. • Incorporates past EV driving experience as an independent variable in the model. • Highlights mediation by attitudes, personal norms and subjective norms in intentions. • Enhances behavioural predictions with realistic measurement of EV experience. • Proposes tailored EV marketing strategies and policies for diverse consumer groups.