Preferences for Electric Tricycles among Intermediate Public Transport Drivers in India: A Comprehensive Analysis of Demand-Side and Supply-Side Factors

Abstract

India’s transport sector, the third-largest greenhouse gas emitter globally, significantly affects carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions. Electric vehicles, particularly electric tricycles, have become crucial in intermediate public transport (IPT) services. However, there is a lack of effective strategies to increase the market penetration of electric tricycles, especially in developing countries. This study comprehensively investigates the factors influencing the adoption of electric tricycles among IPT drivers by combining demand-side factors (demographics, tricycle usage conditions, financing conditions, and electrification perspectives) and supply-side factors (operating cost and mileage efficiency). We conducted five stated preference experiments (SPEs) with Indian IPT drivers, resulting in a dataset of 2,623 valid responses used for multinomial logit (MNL) modeling analysis. The results show that reducing initial purchase cost and extending the maximum range of electric tricycles significantly increase adoption, especially among specific groups such as older, higher-income drivers with larger families. The study emphasizes the need for accessible financing options, robust charging infrastructure, and targeted awareness campaigns. Policy recommendations include financial incentives to reduce initial cost, investment in technology to improve efficiency and range of electric tricycles, and developing charging infrastructure to address range anxiety. Collaborative efforts between government agencies, financial institutions, and private enterprises are essential for creating a supportive ecosystem for electric tricycle adoption.