Tech and green: customer satisfaction leads electric vehicle purchase intention with the moderating role of innovativeness and barriers

Purpose This study aims to determine the intention to purchase electric vehicles (EVs) through technophilia, the social value identity (I) and responsibility (R), operational economic benefits, eco-friendly benefits, low engine noise emission, customer satisfaction, personal innovativeness, financial barriers and range charging risk, considering the theory of planned behavior (TPB). Design/methodology/approach Partial least squares structural equation modeling is used for hypothesis testing. A purposive sampling technique was used, and data was collected through questionnaires administered in China. A total of 537 questionnaires were part of the analysis. Findings The findings demonstrate that technophilia, social value identity, social value responsibility, operational economic benefits and eco-friendly benefits all have a positive impact on customer satisfaction. In contrast, low engine noise emission does not influence customer satisfaction. Moreover, customer satisfaction leads to intention to purchase EVs. Additionally, personal innovativeness, financial barriers and range charging risk moderate between satisfaction and intention. Practical implications This research recommends that manufacturers and policymakers concentrate on studying predictors of intention to purchase EVs. Originality/value This is an initial study that incorporates technophilia, social value identity, social value responsibility, operational economic benefits, eco-friendly benefits, low engine noise emission, customer satisfaction, personal innovativeness, financial barriers and range charging risk to examine intention to purchase EVs considering TPB.