INTENTION TO ADOPT HYBRID ELECTRIC VEHICLES (HEV) IN MALAYSIA

INTRODUCTION

Introduction

Background of Study

Governments around the world are adopting policies and programs to minimize carbon emissions (Ustun et al., 2011). As such, the adoption of HEVs may be more practical and realistic than a full EV (Wang et al., 2016).

Problem Statements

A key problem is that HEV adoption is highly dependent on the acceptability of private customers and their willingness and willingness to embrace this form of transportation is not yet strong (Schuitema et al., 2013). Some obstacles and shortcomings that may prevent consumers from adopting a hybrid car are high purchase costs, short driving distance, low resale values and technical operation cooperation (Brand et al., 2017).

Research Questions

What is the relationship between pro-environment and consumers' intention to adopt hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) in Malaysia. What is the relationship between perceived behavioral control and consumer intention to adopt hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) in Malaysia.

Research Objectives

What is the relationship between subjective norm and consumer intention to adopt hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) in Malaysia.

Hypothesis Statements

Significant of Study

In 2009, the government of Malaysia announced a 10-cities-thousand-vehicles effort to encourage the growth of electric vehicles and to promote and stimulate the use of electric vehicles. The lack of enthusiasm for electric vehicles among customers highlights the need to look at the links between policy measures and EV adoption.

LITERATURE REVIEW

Introduction
Theoretical Discussion
Theory of Planned Behaviour …

Attitude
Subjective Norm
Perceived Behavioural Control

Conceptual Framework
Hypothesis Development

There are four key elements of the concept of planned behavior that help explain human behavior, namely attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control (PBC), and demographic effects. Within the TPB, attitudes are also predicted by the perceived feasibility of a decision or perceived behavioral control (PBC), as well as the perceived expectations of a particular group of individuals or subjective social standards. Attitudinal factors are one of the most important predictors of whether people are willing to adopt eco-innovations or not (Jansson et al., 2010).

According to Wu et al. 2010), relative advantage is one of the factors influencing consumers' willingness to purchase biofuels and hydrogen cars in Taiwan. Incentives can be used to stimulate the adoption of the innovation by increasing the perceived relative advantage of the innovation, subsidizing trials, or reducing the cost of incompatibles. According to Beck et al., environmental protection, which exceeds the impact of energy conservation, has become one of the most important factors in attracting customers.

Because of the increased societal pressure, persons who believe they must do a given activity will be more likely to do it. Two versions of the theory of planned behavior (TPB) model that are pure and decomposed are examined and compared with the Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA). As now, the concept of perceived behavioral control such as technology, prices, availability, expertise and knowledge of the use and ability to use environmental products is debated.

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

Introduction
Research Method / Design
Measurements/ Instruments
Sampling Procedures …
Data Collection Method
Method of Analysis

A self-administered online questionnaire was used to collect the data through Google Forms and a combination of print distribution to gauge feedback from the people of Peninsular Malaysia. The data analysis design discusses the procedures used to examine the data collected from the questionnaire. Descriptive data such as mean, median, mode, frequencies and percentages were used to analyze the data.

Study objectives, concept/construct, measurement and scale are used to produce data analysis. To begin with, various descriptive and frequency statistics were used to assess the state of the data. Data normality was checked using mean, standard deviation, skewness and Kolmogorov Smirnov tests.

To ensure that the data sets are properly and normally distributed, a normality test is performed using skewness and kurtosis (Saunders et al., 2012). Hair et al., 2010; Kline, 2005). Pearson correlation analysis is used to determine the relationship between two numerical variables (Saunders et al., 2012). This is due to the fact that the data will be reviewed and presented in a readable and understandable way.

RESEARCH RESULTS

Introduction
Demographic Profile
Descriptive Statistics
Normality Testing
Reliability Testing
Hypothesis Testing

Pearson Correlation
Regression Analysis

Summary of Hypothesis

The table above shows the descriptive statistics, maximum, minimum, mean and standard deviation for the dependent variable that the consumer intends to adopt HEV. The tables show that the relative benefit has a significant and positive correlation with the intention to use HEV, with r=0.756 and p=0.000. The compatibility has a significant and positive correlation with the intention to use HEV, with r=0.826 and p=0.000.

The environmental concern has significant and positive correlation with the intention to adopt HEV, with r=0.759 and p=0.000. The subjective norms have significant and positive correlation with the intention to adopt HEV, with r= 0.816 and p=0.000. Finally, the perceived behavioral control has significant and positive correlation with the intention to adopt HEV, with r=.

To predict the variance in the dependent variable, consumer intention to use HEV, Multiple Linear Regression was used. H1: There is a significant relationship between relative advantage and consumers' intention to adopt hybrid electric vehicles in Malaysia. H4: There is a significant relationship between subjective norms and consumers' intention to use hybrid electric vehicles in Malaysia.

Figure 5: Pie Chart of Gender Distribution

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

Introduction

Discussion of Research Questions and Hypotheses …

Research Question 1 and Hypothesis 1 …

The regression was performed to test the hypothesis, and the results showed that the relative advantage positively predicts the intention to adopt HEV, and the result is statistically significant with p = 0.000, so H1 is accepted. A correlation analysis was performed to determine the relationship, and the results showed that compatibility has a significant and positive correlation with the intention to adopt HEV. The regression was performed to test the hypothesis, and the results showed that the compatibility positively predicts the intention to adopt HEV, and the result is statistically significant with p=0.000, so H2 is accepted.

To determine the relationship, correlational analysis was conducted and the results showed that environmental concern has a significant and positive correlation with intention to adopt HEV. Regression was conducted to test the hypothesis and the results have shown that environmental concern positively predicts the intention to adopt HEV, and the result is statistically significant with p=0.000, so H3 is accepted. To determine the relationship, correlational analysis was conducted and the results showed that subjective norms have significant and positive correlation with intention to adopt HEV.

The regression was performed to test the hypothesis, and results showed that the subjective norms positively predict the intention to adopt HEV, and the result is statistically significant with p=0.000, so H4 is accepted. To determine the relationship, correlation analysis was performed, and the results showed that the perceived behavioral control has a significant and positive correlation with the intention to. The regression was performed to test the hypothesis, and results showed that the perceived behavioral control positively predicts the intention to adopt HEV, and the result is statistically insignificant, so H5 is rejected.

Implications

Theoretical Implications
Practical Implications

The current study results may differ, mainly due to any distortion in data, or in the design of questionnaire. As the current study found what factors can influence the adoption of HEV among the Malaysian consumers, the study practically guides the car manufacturers on what aspects they should focus on to improve their consumer base. Since the manufacturers of HEV are trying to use technology to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by prioritizing the use of electric cars, the present study will improve the adoption of HEV, and in turn, it will be beneficial to the society and environment in general.

Through the implementation of current results, the adoption of environmentally friendly products can be increased, and the results can therefore provide practical ways to achieve the goal of 2025, that all new models marketed in Malaysia will be environmentally friendly (Ee, 2017) . By stating the factors that influence the adoption of HEV, the present study contributes significantly to the green environment, and thus can be useful in citizens' greater obligation to be more responsible and more appreciative of the environment, as well as the future's sustainability. The present study therefore has many practical implications through discovered factors that influence consumer behavior and shape their degree of acceptance, and is therefore useful for local car manufacturers to build hybrid electric vehicles that can meet the preferences of their consumers.

Thus, the present study has great practical significance that it encourages the local manufacturers to develop green cars on a continuous basis and encouraging customers to choose green cars can significantly reduce air pollution in Malaysia. Furthermore, since environmental concerns play a significant role in the adoption of HEV, manufacturers can also improve their marketing by promoting environmental awareness campaigns to increase their sales. Thus, the current survey results can be suggested in many ways, which would be beneficial not only to the seller, but also to.

Limitation

Future Recommendations

Conclusion

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