Analyzing the Impact of Charging Infrastructure on Electric Vehicle Adoption
Arbind Babu Sah
MBA Student, Faculty of Management Studies, CMS Business School, Bangalore, India
Email: arbindsah875@gmail.com
ABSTRACT:
The transition to electric vehicles (EVs) is essential for achieving sustainable transportation, but the widespread adoption of EVs remains constrained by concerns about charging infrastructure. This study examines the impact of charging infrastructure availability, reliability, and accessibility on consumer intention to adopt EVs. Using a quantitative research approach, data was collected from 138 respondents through a structured survey. Key factors analyzed include the availability of public charging stations, charging speed, cost considerations, and consumer perceptions of convenience and reliability. The findings highlight that the presence of charging stations along highways and major routes significantly influences consumer confidence in EV adoption. Range anxiety remains a major barrier, with respondents expressing concerns about charging station availability and downtime. Fast- charging stations emerge as a crucial factor, with a majority of respondents preferring charging times of under an hour. Additionally, the cost of charging, both in comparison to conventional fuels and hidden expenses like installation fees, plays a vital role in shaping consumer decisions. The study also finds that well-maintained and strategically located charging stations enhance consumer trust and willingness to transition to EVs. Regression analysis confirms that charging infrastructure accessibility accounts for 41.9% of the variance in consumer intention to adopt EVs, with fast-charging availability and highway charging networks having the most significant impact. The study underscores the need for government incentives, improved infrastructure investments, and innovative pricing models to accelerate EV adoption. These insights provide valuable recommendations for policymakers, automotive manufacturers, and urban planners seeking to enhance EV charging networks and promote sustainable mobility solutions.
Keywords: Electric Vehicles (EVs), Charging Infrastructure, Consumer Adoption, Range Anxiety, Charging Station Accessibility, Fast-Charging, EV Policy, Sustainable Transportation, Infrastructure Development, Renewable Energy Integration.