Beyond Functional Benefits: The Influence of Sustainable Self-Identity, Functional and Symbolic Values and Technology Confidence on Consumers' Intention to Adopt Electric Vehicles: An integrated VAB-TPB-Self -Identity Theory Approach
Abstract: Electric vehicles (EVs) is becoming an important part of the transition to more sustainable transportation. EVs are receiving increasing attention from both consumers and policymakers as concerns about environmental protection and the need for cleaner mobility continue to grow. The consumers' willingness to adopt EVs can vary depending on how they perceive their benefits, values and the technology involved. The present study examines the factors that shape consumers' attitudes towards electric vehicles and influence their intention to adopt them. The study considers the factors such as sustainable self-identity, perceived functional value, EV symbolic value, confidence in EV technology and perceived innovativeness that may shape consumers' views and decisions regarding EVs. The Primary data were collected from employees working in both government and private-sector organisations. A total of 254 responses were received from respondents and of which 249 responses were found suitable for the further analysis. The findings show that customers who see themselves as environmentally responsible, recognise the practical benefits of EVs and associate EVs with a positive social image tend to have a more favourable attitude towards them. Among these factors the symbolic value of EVs had the strongest influence on consumers' attitudes (β = .413). Confidence in EV technology also had a positive influence on customer's intention to adopt EVs (β = .414). Attitude towards Electric Vehicle emerged as the strongest predictor of EV adoption intention (β = .636). Perceived innovativeness also had a positive influence on EV adoption intention, although its effect was relatively small (β = .113). The model has explained 41.8% of the differences in attitudes towards EVs and 54.9% of the differences in their intention to adopt EVs. These findings can help policymakers, manufacturers and other stakeholders better understand consumers and develop approaches that encourage wider adoption of electric vehicles.
Keywords: Electric Vehicles, Sustainable Self-Identity, Perceived Functional Value, EV Symbolic Value, EV Technology Confidence, Perceived Innovativeness
How to Cite?: Dr. Pradeesh N. M, Dr. Navya A. H, Samanway Krishnan, "Beyond Functional Benefits: The Influence of Sustainable Self-Identity, Functional and Symbolic Values and Technology Confidence on Consumers' Intention to Adopt Electric Vehicles: An integrated VAB-TPB-Self -Identity Theory Approach", Volume 15 Issue 10, October 2026, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 722-730, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR261010213103, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR261010213103