28/11/2025
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Keywords: electric vehicles, drivers, commitment, decision to switch, social factors.
In a world racing to reduce emissions and build sustainable transportation systems, Vietnam is no exception to this trend, accelerating the development of electric vehicles, particularly in urban transportation and technology services. However, the journey to "green" transportation still faces many challenges: infrastructure is not yet standardized, investment costs are still high, and, more importantly, the awareness and behavioral changes of the drivers themselves. From here, a group of students from the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH) conducted research titled "Towards a Green Future: A Study on Drivers' Behavior in Switching to Electric Vehicles in the Context of Urban Transportation" to explore the motivations and barriers in technology drivers' decision to switch to electric vehicles.
In Vietnam, despite the increasing encouragement of electric vehicle development, the conversion behavior and decisions of driver groups - especially technology drivers with high vehicle usage frequency - have not been fully studied. Therefore, this study was conducted to clarify the factors influencing commitment, intention, and switching behavior toward electric vehicles in the context of urban transportation, thereby providing a scientific basis for businesses and policymakers to promote the sustainable electrification of transportation.
From Hesitation to Commitment: The Motivations and Barriers Behind the Wheel
The first factor is the impact from the community and society. This is an external resource that has a significant impact on drivers' decisions to switch. Social media spreads stories of experiences, comparing the costs and benefits of using electric vehicles, thereby forming new norms and making the transition a trend. Additionally, encouragement or pressure from colleagues, friends, and customers also provides extra motivation for drivers to change. When drivers see others benefiting and gaining community recognition by using electric vehicles, they will easily trust and act accordingly. Thanks to this, the community and social factors are both guiding and motivating drivers to overcome their initial hesitation.
The second factor is the supporting conditions from the business. This is an important foundation for drivers to feel confident in making the decision to stick with electric vehicles. Synchronized infrastructure such as charging stations and warranty centers, along with after-sales service, ensures that the usage process is uninterrupted and free from unexpected risks. Additionally, cost support policies, maintenance packages, or financial incentives help reduce the burden while also making drivers feel like they are always accompanied by the company. Conversely, if these conditions are lacking, the transition is unlikely to be sustainable. In other words, full support is the "foundation" that makes drivers' desire to use electric vehicles a long-term reality.
The third factor is government policy. This is a macroeconomic factor that directly impacts the costs and benefits drivers perceive when considering a switch. Tax incentives, financial subsidies, or credit support help reduce the initial investment burden, thereby encouraging more drivers to boldly try electric vehicles. Conversely, strict environmental standards also create pressure for drivers to change if they want to continue operating. Therefore, the government is both a trendsetter and plays a role in promoting or hindering the long-term transition process. When policies are clear, transparent, and implemented consistently, drivers will feel more confident in their decision to stick with electric vehicles.
The fourth factor is the instrumental properties of electric vehicles. This is a group of factors related to everyday practical experience, including operating costs, scope of operations, reliability, and convenience. A fuel-efficient electric car that can travel a sufficient distance, is less prone to breakdowns, and is convenient to use will be more readily accepted by drivers. Conversely, if electric vehicles cause inconvenience or have excessively high hidden costs, drivers will find it difficult to maintain long-term use. Therefore, it is the quality and ability of the vehicle to meet practical needs that are the important conditions determining switching behavior. It can be said that the utility property is the closest and most influential factor in persuading drivers to choose electric vehicles.
All of the above factors are assumed to influence two important forms of change commitment: affective commitment and normative commitment. Emotional commitment reflects the driver's belief, attachment, and proactive desire to transition to electric vehicles. Meanwhile, the standard commitment reflects the sense of duty and social responsibility that drivers feel when participating in this process. When both forms of commitment are formed simultaneously, they not only create psychological acceptance but also encourage drivers to form a clear intention to switch. This intention becomes a bridge between inner attitudes and outer actions, leading to real and sustainable behavioral transformation.
The electric vehicle network and vehicle quality are two factors that determine switching behavior.
The electric vehicle network and the instrumental properties of the vehicle have a clear impact on both affective and normative commitment, thereby promoting the intention and behavior of switching to electric vehicles. At the same time, the intention to change plays an important mediating role, linking psychological commitment to actual behavior. Other factors such as social influence, the impact of social media, or environmental policies, although not creating a uniform impact, still contribute to shaping general attitudes and norms, helping to strengthen the foundation for the spread of electric vehicles within the driver community.
From the research results, it can be seen that the transition to electric vehicles will only be truly sustainable when accompanied by both government and businesses.
For the government, the most important role is to create a clear and stable policy framework to encourage the transition to electric vehicles. Measures such as tax incentives, financial support, strict emission regulations, or even the implementation of carbon taxes can directly reduce the cost burden on drivers, while also pressuring both businesses and consumers to choose green vehicles. However, policy shouldn't stop at the economic level; it also needs to be accompanied by community media campaigns and environmental education programs to foster emotional commitment and normative commitment in drivers' minds. When drivers see both personal benefits and social responsibility, the decision to switch will be more sustainable and widespread within the community.
For businesses, the core is to demonstrate to drivers the practical value that electric vehicles bring. Effective communication about low operating costs, durability, convenience, and an environmentally friendly experience will not only help drivers see the economic benefits but also foster an emotional connection with the vehicle. An electric vehicle is not just a work tool, but has also become a choice associated with the pride and peace of mind of its users.
Simultaneously, businesses need to invest in building a complete support ecosystem. Expanding the network of charging stations, service centers, after-sales services, and the electric vehicle user community will make it easier for drivers to switch with peace of mind. Beyond the technical aspect, this ecosystem also has social significance: when drivers feel they belong to a large community and are fully supported, they will have more confidence and motivation to maintain their conversion behavior. This is the foundation for businesses to make electric vehicle use the new standard in the urban transportation industry.
The research paper has indirectly contributed to SDGs 7, 11, and 13. See the full research paper "Towards a Green Future: Drivers' Behavior in the Transition to Electric Vehicles in the Context of Urban Traffic" HERE
Authors: Nguyen Hoang Long, Phan Minh Thong, Huynh Thi Kim Tien, Nguyen Quoc Tai, Nguyen Phuoc Quy Chau - University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City.
This article is part of the Green Research Community series with the message "Research Contribution for UEH Living Lab Green Campus" UEH sincerely invites the community to follow the next Green Research Community newsletter.
*To create maximum conditions for the development of the "UEH Green Researcher Community," members of the community will be able to attend scientific research methods classes related to the topics of Living Lab and Green Campus. Additionally, upon meeting the standards, the research team will receive a certificate from the UEH Sustainable University Project Board and financial support for a standard-compliant project.
More Information:
SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy emphasizes ensuring that everyone has access to reliable, modern, affordable, and environmentally friendly energy. Beyond simply expanding electricity systems, this goal promotes the use of renewable energy, improves energy efficiency, and reduces the negative environmental impacts of traditional energy exploitation.
SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities seeks to develop urban areas and communities that are resilient, safe, and sustainable by improving living environments, managing waste effectively, and ensuring access to basic services for all citizens. A sustainable city is not only about physical infrastructure but also about raising awareness and shaping residents’ behavior to protect their shared environment.
SDG 13 – Climate Action calls for urgent measures to combat climate change and its adverse impacts by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, enhancing adaptive capacity, and raising public awareness. This goal goes beyond national-level policies and requires changes in individual and community behaviors in daily life, especially in areas directly linked to waste generation and management.
News, photos: UEH Green Campus, UEH Youth Union - Student Association, UEH Communications and Partnership Development Department
Voiceover: Thanh Kieu
