How is the acceptance of new energy vehicles under the recurring COVID-19 — A case study in China

COVID-19 threatens human life and health, and affects travel frequency and travel mode choice. Clarifying the main drivers of the purchase intention of new energy vehicles (NEVs) under the epidemic is important for formulating phasing policy regarding the promotion of green mobility and the construction of smart cities. Based on this, this study introduces variables such as perceived risk and trust under the epidemic, aiming to investigate the main drivers of the purchase intention of NEVs in China under epidemic through an extended technology acceptance model. The data covered the public in urban, suburban, and rural areas of China (n=884) and were analyzed using structural equation model. Specifically, trust had a significant positive effect after the epidemic. Perceived risk did not directly affect the public’s intention to purchase new energy vehicles, but had an indirect effect through attitude and perceived utility, attitude and trust, and social interaction and trust. In addition, the significant positive impacts of subsidy and non-subsidy incentive are further validated, which reinforces the current view. Considering the limited literature related to the purchase intention of NEVs under the epidemic in developing countries, it is hoped that these findings will provide new perspectives for future research, and provide guidance for phasing policy formulation.