Determinants of switching intention to adopt electric vehicles: A comparative analysis of China and Malaysia

This study investigates the factors influencing the intention to switch to electric vehicles (EVs) in China and Malaysia, highlighting the countries’ different cultural contexts. Data were collected through a questionnaire survey, resulting in valid responses from 696 Chinese and 648 Malaysian participants. The study employs partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) and multi-group analysis (MGA) within the framework of the push-pull-mooring model, incorporating key factors such as dissatisfaction with traditional fuel vehicles, cost pressure, perceived value, incentive policies, social influence, switching costs, and inertia. The findings reveal that dissatisfaction with traditional vehicles and cost pressure positively influence switching intention in both countries, with cost pressure having a stronger effect in China. Perceived value and incentive policies are also positively related to switching intention across both countries. Social influence is more prominent in China, while inertia has a stronger negative impact on switching intention in Malaysia. Switching costs significantly hinder EV adoption in both countries, with a greater barrier in China. Furthermore, green self-identity played a stronger moderating role in Malaysia for the effects of dissatisfaction with traditional vehicles and incentive policies on switching intention, reflecting a higher sensitivity among environmentally conscious Malaysian consumers. In contrast, green self-identity positively moderates the impact of social influence on switching intention in China, but not in Malaysia, highlighting the stronger role of social dynamics in shaping environmentally motivated decisions in China. This study contributes to the growing body of literature on EV adoption by providing cross-national insights and offering practical implications for policymakers and industry stakeholders aiming to promote sustainable mobility.