Customer Perception Towards Electric Vehicles: An Empirical Study of Consumer Awareness, Adoption Factors, and Purchase Intentions in Coimbatore, India
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.64882/ijrt.v14.i2.1435Keywords:
electric vehicles, consumer perception, purchase intention, EV adoption, India, Coimbatore, sustainable transportation, customer awarenessAbstract
The global transition towards sustainable transportation has accelerated the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) as a viable alternative to internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. This study examines consumer awareness, perceptions, and purchase intentions towards electric vehicles among residents of Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India. Using a structured questionnaire administered to 100 respondents through random sampling, data were collected and analysed using simple percentage analysis, ranking scale, and chi-square tests. Findings reveal that 84% of respondents currently own an electric vehicle, with low fuel cost (32%) and environmental friendliness (28%) emerging as primary purchase motivators. Tata Motors dominates brand preference at 36%. The study also identifies limited servicing infrastructure (33%) and technical reliability concerns (27%) as the most significant barriers to wider adoption. A statistically significant relationship was established between respondents' age and the factors influencing their EV purchase decision (χ² = 49.828, df = 16, p < .001). Recommendations include expanding charging and service infrastructure, targeted government incentive programmes, and aggressive digital marketing strategies to accelerate the EV transition.
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