Comparative Analysis of barriers to Battery electric vehicle adoption between BEV and ICE Users: A case study of Thailand

The adoption of Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) is pivotal for advancing sustainable transportation and reducing environmental impacts. Despite government efforts, BEV adoption in Thailand remains below expected levels. This study identifies and evaluates the barriers to BEV adoption through a comprehensive survey administered to 3,069 respondents across Thailand. Employing Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), the study categorizes and quantifies these barriers, offering insights into the factors that hinder consumer acceptance of BEVs. The results reveal that 'Vehicle attributes', including concerns about efficiency, range, and reliability, is the most significant barrier for both BEV and ICE users. However, the order and strength of subsequent barriers differ between these groups. For BEV users, 'Public Data' and 'Lack of Benefits' follow as major concerns, while ICE users prioritize 'Financial Barriers' and 'Consumer Concerns'. Notably, BEV users generally perceive these barriers more strongly across all categories. Based on these findings, this study proposes targeted policy recommendations aimed at addressing these barriers for both current and potential BEV users. Enhancing vehicle attributes characteristics, expanding charging infrastructure, implementing educational campaigns, revising fiscal incentives, and rebranding EVs through effective marketing strategies are critical measures suggested. These interventions are designed to align with both BEV and ICE user expectations and catalyze the broader acceptance and adoption of BEVs in Thailand. This research not only contributes to the academic discourse on sustainable transportation but also provides actionable insights for policymakers and industry stakeholders to accelerate the transition to electric mobility.