The Sustainability of New Energy Vehicles in Xian, China: Challenges and Opportunities
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.22139531Keywords:
New Energy Vehicles (NEVs); Sustainability; Consumer Experience; Charging Infrastructure; Sustainable TransportationAbstract
This study explored the sustainability of New Energy Vehicles (NEVs) in Xi’an, China, by examining the lived experiences, perceptions, challenges, and opportunities encountered by consumers. Using a qualitative phenomenological research design, the study sought to understand how NEV users interpret sustainability in relation to environmental responsibility, economic practicality, and social acceptance. Fourteen participants who were current users or owners of NEVs were purposively selected, and data were gathered through in-depth semi-structured interviews until data saturation was achieved. Thematic analysis was employed to identify recurring patterns, meanings, and insights emerging from participant narratives. Findings revealed that consumers’ decisions to adopt NEVs were strongly influenced by a combination of environmental awareness, government incentives, long-term cost savings, technological innovation, and social influence. Participants generally expressed satisfaction with the quiet operation, fuel efficiency, and advanced features of NEVs; however, several concerns remained evident. The most common challenges involved charging infrastructure availability, charging speed, battery reliability during long-distance travel, and inconsistent after-sales service support. Participants also highlighted “range anxiety” and uneven charging accessibility as factors affecting confidence in continuous NEV usage. Despite these concerns, many respondents perceived NEVs as an important step toward sustainable transportation and viewed them as symbols of modernization and environmental responsibility. The study further found that sustainability is not viewed solely in environmental terms but also through economic and social dimensions. Consumers evaluated NEVs based on affordability, convenience, reliability, social prestige, and contribution to cleaner urban living. The findings suggest that the long-term sustainability of the NEV ecosystem depends not only on technological improvements but also on strengthened infrastructure, responsive customer support, policy consistency, and consumer trust. Overall, the study contributes a consumer-centered perspective to the growing literature on sustainable transportation and offers insights for policymakers, manufacturers, and future researchers seeking to promote wider and more sustainable NEV adoption in China.
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