Acceptance of Electric Vehicles in the Ride-Hailing Scenario of Third-Tier Cities: A Comparative Study of Full-Time and Part-Time Drivers in China

Driven by the global agenda of low-carbon urban development, local governments in China have implemented targeted policies requiring new energy vehicle adoption in the ride-hailing industry. This study focuses on a key issue in the development of sustainable smart public transportation systems: the factors affecting the acceptance of electric vehicles (EVs) in ride-hailing services among full-time and part-time drivers. Using 432 valid samples of ride-hailing drivers from Zhangzhou, a third-tier city in China, we compared the basic personal attributes of full-time and part-time drivers. Ordered logit models were developed to explore differences in factors influencing their acceptance of electric ride hailing (ER). Findings reveal: (1) Drivers’ perceived significance of EVs in green transportation is positively associated with their acceptance of ER. (2) Endurance mileage and charging efficiency have no significant effect on acceptance among drivers in underdeveloped cities. (3) Full-time drivers exhibit relatively low concern for subsidy policies, whereas part-time drivers express a pressing need for vehicle purchase subsidies and operational subsidies. (4) Overall, part-time drivers demonstrate higher acceptance of ER than full-time drivers. Based on these findings, this paper offers policy recommendations for governments to enhance ER acceptance among both driver groups. It is important to note that the present study utilizes survey data collected from Zhangzhou. The research conclusions should be treated with caution when applied to other cities, and further studies can be conducted in different regions to verify the results.