Eco-label knowledge versus environmental concern toward consumer's switching intentions for electric vehicles: A roadmap toward green innovation and environmental sustainability

Abstract

The Chinese authorities firmly encourage the use of electric cars to decrease global pollution and fossil fuel consumption (electric vehicles). Nevertheless, research aimed at determining customers’ switching intentions toward electric vehicles and pro-environmental behavior are scarce in the country. The purpose of this study is to fill the knowledge gap by scrutinizing the linkage among general environmental knowledge, environmental concern, eco-label knowledge, eco-label attitude (ATT), switching intentions(SIN), and pro-environmental behavior that might affect customers’ SIN and PEB in the Chinese context. The present research has additionally improved the theoretical foundation of the Theory of Planned Behavior by adding three new aspects in along with the ongoing customers’ motive elements (eco-label knowledge, general environmental knowledge, and ATT). In a survey, 549 electric vehicle users in China were polled and their data were analyzed. The structural equation modeling method is used to assess theories that have been put forth. According to empirical evidence, general environmental knowledge, environmental concern, and eco-label knowledge have a favorable and substantial impact on ATT. In a similar vein, ATT has a positive impact on consumers’ SIN and PEB. The research adds to the field of study on renewable buying behavior and offers crucial and practical future paths for researchers and professionals.