Satisfaction levels and switching intentions: A study on EV and ice vehicle users in Kerala

The study titled "Satisfaction Levels and Switching Intentions: A Study on EV and ICE Vehicle Users in Kerala" aims to assess and compare the satisfaction levels of electric vehicle (EV) and internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle users, focusing on crucial dimensions such as cost, maintenance, usability, and environmental impact. It further investigates the underlying factors influencing user satisfaction and examines the motivations driving ICE users to consider transitioning to EVs, as well as the retention or reversal tendencies among EV users. The study adopts a descriptive and comparative research design with a quantitative approach, surveying 200 private vehicle owners (100 EV users and 100 ICE users) across various districts of Kerala. Stratified random sampling ensured geographic and demographic representation, while structured questionnaires collected both online and offline served as the primary data source. Analysis was performed using SPSS software, utilizing both descriptive and inferential statistical tools. The findings indicate that EV users report higher satisfaction levels in areas such as running cost, environmental benefits, and maintenance convenience. However, gaps in charging infrastructure and service availability still hinder widespread adoption. A significant portion of ICE users show intent to switch, driven by economic and ecological concerns, with younger and urban populations leading this shift. The study concludes that Kerala is witnessing a growing openness toward EV adoption, suggesting that targeted policy interventions, improved infrastructure, and awareness campaigns could accelerate this transition. Future research could broaden the scope by including larger, more diverse samples, incorporating commercial users, and adopting longitudinal methods to track evolving user attitudes and behaviors over time.