The relationship between satisfaction of electric vehicle owners and their intentions for repurchase and recommendation

Abstract

The electric vehicle (EV) market has expanded over the years, but the growth rate is very slow due to technological and economic limitations. Innovators and early adopters, who have already experienced EV s, can play an important role in complementing the shortcomings of products and establishing market expansion strategies. This study conducted a survey (n=153) to evaluate EV owners' satisfaction and their intentions for repurchase and recommendation. Survey responses were gathered from EV owners and analyzed using the Partial Least Square- Structural Equation Modeling(PLS-SEM). Results indicate that the satisfaction of EV owners has positively related to driving range of EV, positive prospects for the future EV market, and a long battery warranty period. In particular, the results show that owners' satisfaction with EV driving range greatly affects their overall satisfaction. On the other hand, consumers who suffered from inconvenience during the course of purchasing EVs and those who experienced frequent breakdowns were found to be less satisfied. However, there is no relationship between satisfaction and expectations with local development. The results also confirm that satisfaction with EV affects individuals' intentions for repurchase and recom mendations. Therefore, in order to expand the EV market, it is necessary to provide EV purchasers with better service, to simplify complex purchasing process, and to encourage consumers to see future EV market and technology positively.