E-Vehicle Acceptance for Last-Mile Delivery: A Driver's Perspective in Turkey

What is it about?

The study investigates factors influencing drivers' acceptance of electric vehicles (EVs) for last-mile delivery (LMD), focusing on small to medium-sized parcels. Utilizing the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), it includes environmental concern and enjoyment as additional variables to assess their impact on perceived usefulness and intentions. Results from 180 participants in Turkiye show no significant relationship between environmental concern or perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness, nor between enjoyment and intentions. Despite this, other hypotheses were supported, indicating drivers may need time to adopt EVs fully. The study highlights the importance of integrating EVs in LMD to reduce carbon footprints and emphasizes the need for planning around technical issues and traffic regulations to facilitate widespread adoption.

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Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash

Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash

Why is it important?

This research is significant because it investigates the factors influencing drivers' acceptance of electric vehicles for last-mile delivery (LMD) of small and medium-sized parcels. As LMD constitutes the most inefficient and costly part of logistics processes, understanding drivers' acceptance of electric vehicles in this context is crucial for improving efficiency and reducing environmental impact. The study's findings contribute to the limited research on this topic, especially in the context of Turkiye, and provide valuable insights for logistics companies, policymakers, and vehicle manufacturers looking to implement and optimize electric vehicle usage in LMD operations. Key Takeaways: 1. Acceptance Factors: The study reveals that while environmental concern and perceived ease of use do not directly impact perceived usefulness, other factors such as attitude and intention play significant roles in drivers' acceptance of electric vehicles for LMD. 2. Technology Adoption: The research indicates that drivers may need time to fully adopt electric vehicles, suggesting the need for gradual implementation strategies and supportive measures to encourage acceptance. 3. Future Directions: The study emphasizes the importance of addressing technical issues, traffic regulations, and conducting real-life tests and pilot programs to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles in LMD, highlighting areas for future research and development.