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Towards Sustainable Mobility: Determinants of Intention to Purchase Used Electric Vehicles in China

Author

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  • Jinzhi Zou

    (Department of Industrial Design, Faculty of Design and Architecture, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400 UPM, Selangor, Malaysia)

  • Khairul Manami Kamarudin

    (Department of Industrial Design, Faculty of Design and Architecture, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400 UPM, Selangor, Malaysia)

  • Jing Liu

    (School of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Guangdong University of Petrochemical Technology, Maoming 525000, China)

  • Jiaqi Zhang

    (Department of Industrial Art, Graduate School of System Design, Tokyo Metropolitan University, Tokyo 1910065, Japan)

Abstract

A thriving electric vehicles (EVs) market serves as a pivotal embodiment of the global push towards sustainable mobility. As one of the leading global EV sellers, China owns a huge used EV market, which should be spotlighted. While most studies focus on the mechanism of new EV purchases, few put their insight into the trade of used EVs. To fill this gap, this paper aims to clarify the mechanism of consumption behaviour towards used EVs. First, we identified 11 variables that have a direct or indirect impact on consumers’ purchase intention and constructed a conceptual framework. Then, we checked the structural relationships of the model through an empirical study ( n = 431). The results showed that purchase intention was determined by two variables: perceived risk and attitude. We also observed an association between income and purchase intention. Functional risk had a direct and significant impact on perceived risk. Economic value, brand trust, and after-sales service were crucial predictors of attitude. Education could moderate the relationship between attitudes and purchase intention. Based on theoretical findings, we present the design strategies to enhance consumers’ purchase willingness from car companies’ and policymakers’ viewpoints. In practical situations, this article offers valuable insights for stakeholders related to the used EV industry, providing a critical reference for advancing sustainable mobility.

Suggested Citation

  • Jinzhi Zou & Khairul Manami Kamarudin & Jing Liu & Jiaqi Zhang, 2024. "Towards Sustainable Mobility: Determinants of Intention to Purchase Used Electric Vehicles in China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(19), pages 1-20, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:19:p:8588-:d:1491612
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    References listed on IDEAS

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