Research on the driving mechanism of consumers’ purchasing intention to battery electric vehicle: based on SEM and fsQCA

Purpose Given the global resource shortage and the growing societal demand for energy conservation and environmental protection, new energy vehicles have emerged as vital tools in China’s pursuit of “carbon neutrality” and “peak carbon.” It is particularly important to explore the factors influencing consumers’ purchase intention to purchase pure electric vehicles. Design/methodology/approach Based on survey data from 1,176 consumers who purchased battery electric vehicles (BEVs), the authors employ structural equation modeling (SEM) and fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) to investigate the drivers of consumers’ purchase intention. Specifically, it examines the roles of consumer attitudes, subjective norms and perceived behavioral control in shaping these intentions. Findings The SEM results reveal that consumers’ perceptions of usefulness, enjoyment and ease of use positively influence their attitudes, which in turn significantly impact their purchase intentions. The fsQCA results confirm the significance of perceived enjoyment as a determinant and provide configurations that can lead to high purchase intentions. Practical implications The study provides actionable insights for governments and businesses looking to encourage the consumers’ adoption of BEVs and advance sustainable development. Originality/value This paper constructed a conceptual model to examine the factors influencing consumers’ purchase intentions for battery electric vehicles, exploring both individual factors and combined conditions.