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The demand for electric vehicles (EVs) has significantly increased in recent years, though some countries like Sri Lanka have reported the opposite direction compared to the global trend. Hence, this study focused on identifying factors affecting EV purchase intention and barriers to the widespread adoption of EVs in a developing country context. Also, this study presents an overview of the theoretical perspectives utilized for understanding consumer intentions and adoption behavior toward alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs).

The questionnaire method was employed, and 394 individuals who lived in Colombo City, Sri Lanka, with valid driving licenses and a hybrid or conventional vehicle were the study sample. The partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was used to test the research hypothesis.

The findings confirmed that the three relationships between the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) variables and EV purchase intention are significant, and there is no significant moderator effect from the consumer’s perceived risk.

These results offer useful information for governments and EV companies to better understand consumer behavior toward purchasing EVs.