Beyond environmental benefits: understanding the social and economic factors in electric vehicle adoption

Electric vehicles (EVs) face structural constraints and competition with internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEVs); however, this relationship remains underexplored. This study examines EV adoption by considering social practice theory and focusing on competition between EVs and ICEVs. Drawing on a survey of 5000 participants from seven Chinese megacities, we identify four key factors shaping consumer behavior: power output and acceleration, purchase affordability, environmental benefits, and purchase subsidies. The findings revealed that government policy significantly moderates EV adoption, enhances the effects of subsidies, and amplifies barriers related to ICEV performance. EV experience and trip purposes, particularly for commuting and education, influence evaluations, with ICEVs performing better in terms of performance and affordability in specific scenarios. To shift consumer evaluations from ICEVs to EVs, our policy recommendations emphasize imposing taxes on ICEVs, strengthening the EV infrastructure, improving the performance of EVs, and promoting their long-term benefits through clear policies and public awareness campaigns.