Enhancing Sustainable Business Models for Green Transportation

Abstract

Business models (BMs) are crucial for the successful market penetration and diffusion of sustainable innovations. Nonetheless, consumer preference knowledge about adopting electric vehicles (EVs) under innovative BMs is low. Drawing on existing conceptualizations of BMs, this investigation studied consumer preferences for three innovative BMs (EV-leasing; battery-leasing; B2C EV-sharing) and the traditional total purchase BM. This research aimed to analyze the growth of the EV market, as well as to understand consumer preferences regarding business models and how these can overcome the barriers to EV purchase. During this study, an empirical study was applied based on a quantitative method. Data were collected through Google Forms and disseminated via social media. Using survey data to conduct a quantitative analysis, the findings showed that most people have an interest in EVs but consider their high cost the main barrier. The environmental benefits are the main motivation for buying an EV, since people are very concerned about the environment. Regarding the innovative business models (IBMs), most people were not aware of their existence but believed that they were fundamental for EV acquisition.