Wheels of Change Beyond Oil: Determinants of Electric Vehicle Adoption and Its Implications for Energy Security in Pakistan

Abstract

This study investigates the factors of the intention of electric vehicle adoption in Pakistan by using primary data information from 100 respondents. The influence of five key constructs are evaluated, namely economic perceptions, charging infrastructure, technological attitudes, environmental awareness and policy support. Descriptive analysis showed that there was a high level of environmental concern among the respondents with the highest mean score being recorded on pollution awareness (mean = 4.32). Charging infrastructure concerns were also prominent especially on the perception of the insufficiency of public charging stations (mean = 4.22). Correlation analysis showed the positive relationships between all independent variables and adoption intention which were significant, the relationship of policy support (r=0.58) and charging infrastructure (r=0.56) were the strongest. Regression results showed that all five constructs are significantly related to the adoption intention and that policy support is the most influential predictor of adoption intention (β = 0.36), followed by charging infrastructure (β = 0.31). Demographic findings further revealed that adoption intention is higher among vehicle owners (mean = 3.88) and middle and higher income groups. The study below concludes that Pakistan's shift to electric mobility relies heavily on the credible execution of policies and infrastructural development, and targeted financial incentives. Strengthening these areas can improve the readiness of consumers, as well as advance the goals of national sustainability.