Key factors influencing consumers’ willingness to purchase electric vehicles in China

Electric vehicles are considered the automobile technology in the future. However, consumers are not willing to purchase electric vehicles in China. Thus, it is necessary to analyze key factors influencing the willingness to purchase electric vehicles. This paper applies the chi-square test and a binary logistic regression model based on the questionnaires of 1057 Chinese online consumers. The results indicate that the group who are willing to adopt electric vehicles embraces the characteristics of high income, EV as second vehicle, interests in new things and environmental sensitivity. Moreover, consumers are more likely to purchase electric vehicles when they perceive less risks such as short driving range and long charging time, as well as more social values obtained from adopting electric vehicles. The charging infrastructure is also an influence on consumers’ preferences. Finally, policy recommendations that encourage the purchase of electric vehicles and the construction of charging infrastructure are provided for the Chinese market. Keyword : Electric vehicles, Logistic regression, Willingness to purchase