A Study from Pollution to Solution: Environmental Concerns and Green Vehicle Adoption in Chennai

Abstract: Environmental sustainability has emerged as a central issue globally, particularly in the transportation sector, which is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. As urban areas, including Chennai, face growing environmental challenges, the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) has been touted as a viable solution to mitigate these issues. However, despite the environmental benefits of EVs, their adoption has not been as widespread as expected. This study aims to explore the impact of environmental concerns on EV adoption in Chennai, focusing on the factors influencing consumer behavior. The aim of this study is to investigate how environmental concerns, economic factors, infrastructure availability, technology perceptions, social influences, and post-purchase experiences influence the adoption of electric vehicles in Chennai, India. This research adopts a quantitative methodology, using a survey-based approach to gather data from a representative sample of Chennai residents. The survey includes questions designed to assess attitudes, perceptions, and behaviors regarding EV adoption, using a 5-point Likert scale. Data analysis includes descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and regression techniques to test the hypotheses and identify relationships between the variables. The study finds that environmental concerns, including perceived environmental impact and air quality awareness, significantly influence the intention to adopt EVs. Economic factors, such as government incentives and long-term operational cost savings, also play a crucial role. However, barriers such as concerns over charging infrastructure and range anxiety limit the widespread adoption of EVs. Positive technology perceptions, social influences, and post-purchase satisfaction further contribute to increasing adoption. The study confirms that environmental sustainability and economic incentives are the primary drivers of EV adoption in Chennai. The lack of sufficient charging infrastructure and high upfront costs remain significant barriers. Additionally, social influences and post-purchase satisfaction play a crucial role in fostering further adoption. The findings suggest that addressing infrastructure concerns and enhancing consumer trust in EV technology, alongside increased government support, could accelerate EV adoption in the region.