Innovation cognizance and acceptance: The case of electric vehicles adoption in Ontario, Canada

This study examines the results of a survey of 1,000 Canadian internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle owners to assess factors that would encourage them to purchase an electric vehicle (EV). Further to the work of Peters and Dutschke (2014) and (Matthews et al. (2017) we combine the various drivers of EV adoption, independently identified in the literature, into one model in order to investigate their influence on the intent to purchase an EV. Through correlations and a series of probit regression modelling, we provide evidence to support additional policies that could establish greater relative advantages for owning an EV. These include the promotion of the communication of those advantages through experiential awareness initiatives such as improved access to EV test drives and consumer information. We suggest that car dealerships are important partners in this journey and their association is critical for greater diffusion of EVs in the market. Our findings have implications for EV manufacturers and government policy makers.