Exploring Electric Vehicle Purchase Intention among Cambodian Generation Z: Evidence from the Technology Acceptance Model

Abstract

Abstract

Understanding the factors influencing electric vehicle purchase intention is essential for promoting sustainable and eco-friendly transportation in developing countries such as Cambodia. This study addresses the gap in empirical research by examining how perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, and attitude influence electric vehicle purchase intention among Cambodian Generation Z undergraduate students using the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). Using a quantitative correlational approach, data were collected from 245 Gen Z undergraduate students across four faculties at BELTEI International University in Cambodia through structured questionnaires and analyzed using Excel and SPSS. The results reveal that perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, and attitude significantly and positively influence electric vehicle purchase intention. In addition, perceived ease of use significantly affects perceived usefulness and attitude, while perceived usefulness also has a positive effect on attitude. The findings further demonstrate that attitude plays a significant mediating role in the relationships between perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, and electric vehicle purchase intention. The mediating effects of attitude are also confirmed by the Sobel test results, demonstrating a significant indirect effect of perceived ease of use (z-Test = 5.45, p < 0.001) and perceived usefulness (z-Test = 5.89, p < 0.001) on electric vehicle purchase intention through attitude. Overall, these results confirm the applicability of TAM in explaining consumer adoption behavior in the Cambodian context and highlight the importance of enhancing usability, perceived benefits, and positive attitudes to encourage electric vehicle adoption among young consumers.