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Nudging with colors to promote electric vehicle rentals

Author

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  • AU, Wai Ching Wilson
  • LIN, Pearl M.C.
  • CHI, Fiona

Abstract

The symbolic meaning of colors plays a crucial role in individual decision-making. Two experiments were conducted to explore how color influences tourists' rental decisions of electric vehicles. The first study employs a 3 (color hue) × 3 (color lightness) experimental design and analyses 300 responses to reveal that light-green and light-blue vehicles were perceived as most environmentally friendly. The second study conducts a single-factor scenario-based experiment with 600 participants. Light-green vehicles enhance perceived environmental friendliness and encourage rentals, while light-blue vehicles reduce decision-making time by evoking mental imagery. This research is innovative in applying color-based nudges into the context of sustainable self-driving tourism, contributing to nudging theory and color psychology. The findings help tourism businesses make electric vehicles more appealing.

Suggested Citation

  • AU, Wai Ching Wilson & LIN, Pearl M.C. & CHI, Fiona, 2024. "Nudging with colors to promote electric vehicle rentals," Annals of Tourism Research, Elsevier, vol. 109(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:anture:v:109:y:2024:i:c:s0160738324001208
    DOI: 10.1016/j.annals.2024.103843
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    References listed on IDEAS

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