An Empirical Analysis of Determinants of Consumer Purchase Intention for Electric Vehicles in a Hilly State of India

The rising global trend toward sustainable mobility has greatly increased consumer curiosity and purchase intention in electric vehicles (EVs), which are considered as green alternatives to conventional vehicles. This study investigates the variables impacting Consumer Purchase Intention (CPI) for EVs in Himachal Pradesh, India, a hilly state with unique socioeconomic conditions and transportation restrictions. A methodical survey was distributed to 600 respondents from four districts (Shimla, Solan, Mandi, Kangra), focusing on characteristics such as consumer awareness, environment awareness, technology awareness, charging infrastructure, government policy, and price. The correlation study shows that Environmental Concern (r = 0.528, p < 0.01), Government Policy (r = 0.485, p < 0.01), and Price (r = 0.497, p < 0.01) are the most influential factors that influence customer purchase intention. Charging Infrastructure (r = 0.168, p < 0.01) and Consumer Awareness (r = 0.087, p < 0.05) show positive but lesser correlations. These findings indicate that supporting government policies, improved charging infrastructure, and increased consumer awareness are critical for boosting adoption of electric vehicles in Himachal Pradesh. The findings have significant implications for policymakers, manufacturers, and sustainability advocates, since they provide practical suggestions for increasing EV penetration in emerging and geographically restricted nations.