An Empirical Study on Factors Influencing Purchase Intention Toward Electric Vehicles: The Role of Nanotechnology-Enhanced Electric Motors

“Sustainable mobility is not achieved by policy alone, but by aligning technological innovation with consumer trust and everyday usability.”

The transition toward electric vehicles (EVs) is critical for addressing environmental degradation, fuel dependency, and sustainable mobility challenges. In India, EV adoption is increasing, yet regional disparities remain significant, particularly in semi-urban industrial regions such as Durg–Bhilai in Chhattisgarh. Existing studies largely focus on metropolitan areas and often overlook the influence of emerging technologies such as nanotechnology-enhanced electric motors on consumer behaviour. This study aims to examine the factors influencing consumer purchase intention toward EVs while evaluating the potential role of nanotechnology-based motor enhancements in improving consumer confidence and adoption. A quantitative descriptive research design was adopted using an extended Theory of Planned Behavior framework. Primary data were collected from 51 EV users through structured questionnaires using convenience sampling, and data were analysed using descriptive statistical techniques. The findings reveal that economic benefits, especially long-term cost savings, significantly influence purchase intention, with 76.51% of respondents identifying affordability as a major motivating factor. Environmental awareness also strongly influenced decision-making, with over 80% acknowledging EVs as beneficial for reducing pollution and global warming. However, limited charging infrastructure and high initial costs remain key barriers. The study further highlights that advancements in nanotechnology, particularly carbon nanotube-based motor components, have the potential to enhance vehicle efficiency, range, and reliability, thereby strengthening consumer trust. The research contributes to sustainable mobility literature by integrating behavioural and technological perspectives in a localized industrial context. The findings provide valuable insights for policymakers, automobile manufacturers, and infrastructure planners to promote EV adoption through technology-driven innovation, awareness programs, and strategic infrastructure development in emerging industrial regions.