Understanding Behavioral Intention to Adopt Electric Vehicles Among Motorcycle Taxi Pilots: A PLS-SEM Approach

Progressive advancements in the global economy and technology have propelled human civilization forward; however, they have also inflicted significant harm on the global ecological environment. In the present era, electric vehicle (EV) technology is playing a vital role due to its environmentally fr...

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Main Authors: Sitaram Sukthankar, Relita Fernandes, Shilpa Korde, Sadanand Gaonkar, Disha Kurtikar
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-05-01
Series:World Electric Vehicle Journal
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2032-6653/16/6/309
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author Sitaram Sukthankar
Relita Fernandes
Shilpa Korde
Sadanand Gaonkar
Disha Kurtikar
author_facet Sitaram Sukthankar
Relita Fernandes
Shilpa Korde
Sadanand Gaonkar
Disha Kurtikar
author_sort Sitaram Sukthankar
collection DOAJ
description Progressive advancements in the global economy and technology have propelled human civilization forward; however, they have also inflicted significant harm on the global ecological environment. In the present era, electric vehicle (EV) technology is playing a vital role due to its environmentally friendly technological advances. However, widespread adoption of EVs has been hindered by their limited travel range, inadequate charging infrastructure, and high costs. This can be closely observed when we assess the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) among motorcycle taxi drivers, commonly called ‘pilots,’ in Goa, India. Motorcycle taxis are crucial in Goa’s transportation network, providing affordable, efficient, and door-to-door services, especially in regions with limited public transport options. However, the rising costs of petrol and vehicle maintenance have adversely affected the income of these pilots, prompting concerns about their willingness to adopt EVs. This study aims to analyze the factors prompting the behavioral intention to adopt EVs by motorcycle taxi pilots in Goa, India, focusing on six key determinants: charging infrastructure, effort expectancy, performance expectancy, price value, social influence, and satisfaction with incentive policies. A quantitative approach was employed, utilizing stratified proportionate random sampling techniques to collect data from 242 motorcycle taxi pilots registered with the Goa State Government Transport Department. It was analyzed using partial least squares-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) through Smart-PLS 4.0 software. The research highlights that performance expectancy and price value are the potential motivators for the adoption of electric vehicles. These findings suggest that pilots are more likely to embrace EVs when they perceive tangible benefits in performance and find the cost reasonable in relation to the value offered. The results offer actionable insights for policymakers, manufacturers, and other stakeholders. These insights can guide strategic decisions and policy frameworks aimed at fostering a sustainable and user-centric transportation ecosystem.
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spelling doaj-art-2acef8a36eca4e17b44c4dee4b9c94852025-08-20T03:26:53ZengMDPI AGWorld Electric Vehicle Journal2032-66532025-05-0116630910.3390/wevj16060309Understanding Behavioral Intention to Adopt Electric Vehicles Among Motorcycle Taxi Pilots: A PLS-SEM ApproachSitaram Sukthankar0Relita Fernandes1Shilpa Korde2Sadanand Gaonkar3Disha Kurtikar4Post Graduate Department of Commerce, Government College of Arts, Science and Commerce, Khandola 403107, Goa, IndiaPost Graduate Department of Commerce, Government College of Arts, Science and Commerce, Khandola 403107, Goa, IndiaDepartment of Commerce, Rosary College of Commerce and Arts, Navelim 403707, Goa, IndiaGoa Business School, Goa University, Durgavado 403206, Goa, IndiaDepartment of Commerce, Vidya Prabodhini College, Alto Porvorim 403521, Goa, IndiaProgressive advancements in the global economy and technology have propelled human civilization forward; however, they have also inflicted significant harm on the global ecological environment. In the present era, electric vehicle (EV) technology is playing a vital role due to its environmentally friendly technological advances. However, widespread adoption of EVs has been hindered by their limited travel range, inadequate charging infrastructure, and high costs. This can be closely observed when we assess the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) among motorcycle taxi drivers, commonly called ‘pilots,’ in Goa, India. Motorcycle taxis are crucial in Goa’s transportation network, providing affordable, efficient, and door-to-door services, especially in regions with limited public transport options. However, the rising costs of petrol and vehicle maintenance have adversely affected the income of these pilots, prompting concerns about their willingness to adopt EVs. This study aims to analyze the factors prompting the behavioral intention to adopt EVs by motorcycle taxi pilots in Goa, India, focusing on six key determinants: charging infrastructure, effort expectancy, performance expectancy, price value, social influence, and satisfaction with incentive policies. A quantitative approach was employed, utilizing stratified proportionate random sampling techniques to collect data from 242 motorcycle taxi pilots registered with the Goa State Government Transport Department. It was analyzed using partial least squares-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) through Smart-PLS 4.0 software. The research highlights that performance expectancy and price value are the potential motivators for the adoption of electric vehicles. These findings suggest that pilots are more likely to embrace EVs when they perceive tangible benefits in performance and find the cost reasonable in relation to the value offered. The results offer actionable insights for policymakers, manufacturers, and other stakeholders. These insights can guide strategic decisions and policy frameworks aimed at fostering a sustainable and user-centric transportation ecosystem.https://www.mdpi.com/2032-6653/16/6/309behavioral intentionelectric vehiclesEV adoptionmotorcycle taxipilottransport
spellingShingle Sitaram Sukthankar
Relita Fernandes
Shilpa Korde
Sadanand Gaonkar
Disha Kurtikar
Understanding Behavioral Intention to Adopt Electric Vehicles Among Motorcycle Taxi Pilots: A PLS-SEM Approach
World Electric Vehicle Journal
behavioral intention
electric vehicles
EV adoption
motorcycle taxi
pilot
transport
title Understanding Behavioral Intention to Adopt Electric Vehicles Among Motorcycle Taxi Pilots: A PLS-SEM Approach
title_full Understanding Behavioral Intention to Adopt Electric Vehicles Among Motorcycle Taxi Pilots: A PLS-SEM Approach
title_fullStr Understanding Behavioral Intention to Adopt Electric Vehicles Among Motorcycle Taxi Pilots: A PLS-SEM Approach
title_full_unstemmed Understanding Behavioral Intention to Adopt Electric Vehicles Among Motorcycle Taxi Pilots: A PLS-SEM Approach
title_short Understanding Behavioral Intention to Adopt Electric Vehicles Among Motorcycle Taxi Pilots: A PLS-SEM Approach
title_sort understanding behavioral intention to adopt electric vehicles among motorcycle taxi pilots a pls sem approach
topic behavioral intention
electric vehicles
EV adoption
motorcycle taxi
pilot
transport
url https://www.mdpi.com/2032-6653/16/6/309
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