Perspective of Student Commuters on Electric Vehicle Transportation: A Convergent-Parallel Approach
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.54536/ajec.v5i2.7212Keywords:
Climate change, Electric vehicles, Infrastructure, Mixed methods, Philippines, Student commuters, Sustainable transportationAbstract
This study employed a convergent-parallel mixed-methods approach to explore student commuters’ perspectives on electric vehicle (EV) transportation in Davao City, Philippines. The research integrated quantitative data from 298 survey respondents and qualitative insights from in-depth interviews and a focus group discussion with 15 participants. Quantitative findings showed a generally positive perception of e-vehicles, particularly regarding environmental concern, attitude, and perceived safety. However, infrastructure and affordability were areas of concern. Qualitative results expanded these findings, revealing issues such as inconsistent government support, lack of charging stations, safety concerns due to unregistered e-vehicles, and varying affordability experiences. Despite these challenges, students expressed strong support for sustainable transportation and were optimistic about e-vehicle adoption, provided improvements are made in infrastructure, policy support, and technology. The study contributes to the understanding of e-vehicle acceptance among young commuters and offers insights for policymakers aiming to promote environmentally friendly urban mobility in alignment with sustainable development goals.
Downloads
References
asi, H., Johl, S., Shaari, Z., Moughal, W., Mazhar, M., Musarat, M., Rafiq, W., Farooqi, A., & Borovkov, A. (2021). Consumer motivation by using unified theory of acceptance and use of technology towards electric vehicles. Sustainability, 13(21), 12177. https://doi.org/10.3390/su132112177
Agpaoa, B. F. C., Gallevo, H. M. U., Lasco, R. S. M., Roma, P. a. G., Tan, B. Y., & Vallespin, M. R. D. (2024). Steering towards sustainable mobility: A holistic examination of public utility vehicle modernization program impact on commuting public and private school students in the University Belt, Manila, Philippines. International Journal of Current Science Research and Review, 07(05). https://doi.org/10.47191/ijcsrr/v7-i5-12
Andalecio, A. B. P., Aquino, K. E. C., Cruz, C. F. A., De Guzman, A., & Kiong, N. T. C. (2020b). Implementation, challenges and stakeholders perception of modernized Jeepneys in Metro Manila. Journal of Physics Conference Series, 1529(3), 032067. https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/1529/3/032067
Andrade, N. F., De Lima, F. B., Junior, Soliani, R. D., De Souza Oliveira, P. R., De Oliveira, D. A., Siqueira, R. M., Da Silva Nora, L. a. R., & Macêdo, J. (2023). Urban mobility: A review of challenges and innovations forsustainable transportation in Brazil. Revista De Gestão Social E Ambiental, 17(3), e03303. https://doi.org/10.24857/rgsa.v17n3-009
Asghar, R., Rehman, F., Ullah, Z., Qamar, A., Ullah, K., Iqbal, K., Aman, A., & Nawaz, A. A. (2020). Electric vehicles and key adaptation challenges and prospects in Pakistan: A comprehensive review. Journal of Cleaner Production, 278, 123375. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2020.123375
Ashley, M. L. S., Paula, B. M. A., Mae, L. P. A., Joshua, D. R. M., Cyril, M. R. J., Jahzara, B. V. A., & Vallespin, M. R. (2024). From routes to resilience: Exploring Manila jeepney drivers’ demographics and perspectives on proposed public utility vehicle modernization program (PUVMP) through thematic analysis. SSRN. https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=4835707
Balaram, V., Santosh, M., Satyanarayanan, M., Srinivas, N., & Gupta, H. (2024). Lithium: A review of applications, occurrence, exploration, extraction, rercycling, analysis, and environmental impact. Geoscience Frontiers, 15(5), 101868. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gsf.2024.101868
Balinado, J. R. O., Andres, G. L., Macawile, R. M. C., Bautista Jr., J. V., & Fernandez, J. R. (2023). Consumer perception and purchase intention on the transition to hybrid and electric vehicles for sustainable mobility and transportation in the Philippines. Preprints. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202308.2074.v1
Barkenbus, J. N. (2020). Prospects for electric vehicles. Sustainability, 12(14), 5813. https://doi.org/10.3390/su12145813
Bibak, B., & Tekiner-Moğulkoç, H. (2020). A comprehensive analysis of Vehicle to Grid (V2G) systems and scholarly literature on the application of such systems. Renewable Energy Focus, 36, 1–20. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ref.2020.10.001
Braun, V. & Clarke, V. (2006). Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3, 77-101.
Buenavista, J. a. C., Ong, A. K. S., Servas, P. J., Ibrahim, Z. K., Gemala, K. C., Base, T. J., Buenaseda, L. J. L., Solano, C. D. G., & Yagin, J. R. C. (2024). Evaluation of sustainable behavior and acceptance of electric public transportation: A perspective from the Philippines. World Electric Vehicle Journal, 15(6), 265. https://doi.org/10.3390/wevj15060265
Buhmann, K. M., Rialp-Criado, J., & Rialp-Criado, A. (2024). Predicting consumer intention to adopt battery electric vehicles: Extending the theory of planned behavior. Sustainability, 16(3), 1284. https://doi.org/10.3390/su16031284
Calva, J. C. (2024). View of the unveiling of the e-jeepney modernization program through the lenses of the diverse sectors in Southern Philippines. (2024). Formosapublisher.org. https://journal.formosapublisher.org/index.php/eajmr/article/view/8860/10174
Caulfield, B., Furszyfer, D., Stefaniec, A., & Foley, A. (2022). Measuring the equity impacts of government subsidies for electric vehicles. Energy, 248, 123588. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2022.123588
Chikkabagewadi, S., Devappa, V. M., & Karjinni, V. V. (2023). Students Commuting Patterns: A Shift towards more sustainable modes of transport. International Journal for Research in Applied Science and Engineering Technology, 11(3), 634–639. https://doi.org/10.22214/ijraset.2023.49495
Chonsalasin, D., Champahom, T., Jomnonkwao, S., Karoonsoontawong, A., Runkawee, N., & Ratanavaraha, V. (2024). Exploring the influence of Thai government policy perceptions on electric vehicle adoption: a measurement model and empirical analysis. Smart Cities, 7(4), 2258–2282. https://doi.org/10.3390/smartcities7040089
Clairand, J. & González-Rodríguez, M. (2021). What is the level of people’s acceptance for electric taxis and buses? Exploring citizens’ perceptions of transportation electrification to pay additional fees. World Electric Vehicle Journal, 13(1), 3. https://doi.org/10.3390/wevj13010003
Cohen, L., Manion, L., & Morrison, K. (2018). Research methods in education (8th ed.). Routledge.
Creswell, J. W. (1998). Qualitative inquiry and research design: Choosing among five traditions. Sage Publications.
Creswell, J. & Plano-Clark, V. (2011). Designing and conducting mixed methods. Sage Publications L.T.D.
Cueto, G. L., Uy, F. a. A., & Diaz, K. A. (2021). Exploratory data analysis of electric tricycle as sustainable public transport mode in General Santos City using logistic regression. arXiv (Cornell University). https://doi.org/10.48550/arxiv.2104.08182
Dalvi, M. A., Bhuvaneswari, K., & Singh, S. (2022). E-vehicles as a sustainability-tool: Exploring the awareness, perceptions and purchase-intentions of potential consumers. South Asian Journal of Management, Suppl.Special Issue, 29(5), 110-147. Retrieved from https://www.proquest.com/scholarly-journals/e-vehicles-as-sustainability-tool-exploring/docview/2807414097/se-2
Evans, D. (2024). Study reveals holistic benefits of electric vehicle adoption across sectors - energy innovation review. Energy Innovation Review. https://energyinnovationreview.com/2024/09/06/study-reveals-holistic-benefits-of-electric-vehicle-adoption-across-sectors/?utm
Fabara, C. (2025). The role of electric vehicles in sustainable development. European Guanxi. https://www.europeanguanxi.com/post/the-role-of-electric-vehicles-in-sustainable-development.
Gaspay, S. & Salison, A. (2024). The economics of e-jeepney transport operations: Business models, enabling factors, and current challenges. Quezon City. Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities. https://icsc.ngo/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/ICSC_Report-1.2_The-Economics-of-EJeepney-Transport-Operations_14Mar24.pdf.
Graham, J. D. & Brungard, E. (2021). Consumer adoption of plug-in electric vehicles in selected countries. Future Transportation, 1(2), 303–325. https://doi.org/10.3390/futuretransp102001
Greene, D. L., Kontou, E., Borlaug, B., Brooker, A., & Muratori, M. (2019). Public charging infrastructure for plug-in electric vehicles: What is it worth? Transportation Research Part D Transport and Environment, 78, 102182. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trd.2019.11.011
Gumasing, M. J. J., Prasetyo, Y. T., Ong, A. K. S., Persada, S. F., & Nadlifatin, R. (2022). Analyzing the service quality of e-trike operations: a new sustainable transportation infrastructure in Metro Manila, Philippines. Infrastructures, 7(5), 69. https://doi.org/10.3390/infrastructures7050069
Gumasing, M. J. J., Ramos, E. D. R., Corpuz, J. N. C., Ofianga, A. J. B., Palad, J. M. R., Urbina, L. G. B., Mascariola, M. M., & Ong, A. K. S. (2024). Factors influencing the adoption of electric jeepneys: A Philippine perspective. World Electric Vehicle Journal, 15(7), 284. https://doi.org/10.3390/wevj15070284
Guno, C. S., Collera, A. A., & Agaton, C. B. (2021). Barriers and drivers of transition to sustainable public transport in the Philippines. World Electric Vehicle Journal, 12(1), 46. https://doi.org/10.3390/wevj12010046
Ha, T. T., Nguyen, T. C., Tu, S. S., & Nguyen, M. H. (2023). Investigation of influential factors of intention to adopt electric vehicles for motorcyclists in Vietnam. Sustainability, 15(11), 8765. https://doi.org/10.3390/su15118765
Higueras-Castillo, E., Guillén, A., Herrera, L., & Liébana-Cabanillas, F. (2020). Adoption of electric vehicles: Which factors are really important? International Journal of Sustainable Transportation, 15(10), 799–813. https://doi.org/10.1080/15568318.2020.1818330
Hsieh, I. L., Chossière, G. P., Gençer, E., Chen, H., Barrett, S., & Green, W. H. (2022). An integrated assessment of emissions, air quality, and public health impacts of China’s transition to electric vehicles. Environmental Science & Technology, 56(11), 6836–6846. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.est.1c06148
Hussain, S., & Qureshi, I. M. (2024). Electric vehicle adoption: The nexus of knowledge, perceived usefulness, and ease of use. Qlantic Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities, 5(2), 154–161. https://doi.org/10.55737/qjssh.591349398
Jamaludin, N. F., Hashim, H., Ho, W. S., Lim, L. K., Sulaiman, N. S., Demoral, A., Tirta, A., Kresnawan, M. R., Safrina, R., & Rosalia, S. A. (2021). Electric vehicle adoption in ASEAN; Prospect and challenges. DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals). https://doi.org/10.3303/cet2189105
Jing, S., Hangjun, Y., Anming, Z. (2019). Adoption of electric vehicles manufacturers’ incentive and government policy. In Journal of Transport Economics and Policy (Vols. 53, Part 2, pp. 175–198). Journal of Transport Economics and Policy. https://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/lse/jtep/2019/00000053/00000002/art00005#
Kaunda, R. (2020). Potential environmental impacts of lithium mining. Journal of Energy & Natural Resources Law, 38, 237 - 244. https://doi.org/10.1080/02646811.2020.1754596
Kaur, P., Stoltzfus, J., & Yellapu, V. (2018). Descriptive statistics. International Journal of Academic Medicine, 4(1), 60. https://doi.org/10.4103/ijam.ijam_7_18
Kresnawan, M. R., Yurnaidi, Z., Bilqis, A., Wijaya, T. N., & Suryadi, B. (2022). Electric vehicle readiness in Southeast Asia: A PEST policy review. IOP Conference Series Earth and Environmental Science, 997(1), 012001. https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/997/1/012001
Krishna, G. (2021). Understanding and identifying barriers to electric vehicle adoption through thematic analysis. Transportation Research Interdisciplinary Perspectives, 10, 100364. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trip.2021.100364
Krishnan, V. V., & Koshy, B. I. (2021). Evaluating the factors influencing purchase intention of electric vehicles in households owning conventional vehicles. Case Studies on Transport Policy, 9(3), 1122–1129. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cstp.2021.05.013
K, S., V., Michael, L. K., Hungund, S. S., & Fernandes, M. (2022). Factors influencing adoption of electric vehicles – A case in India. Cogent Engineering, 9(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/23311916.2022.2085375
Kumar, R., Kanwal, A., Asim, M., Pervez, M., Mujtaba, M. A., Fouad, Y., & Kalam, M. A. (2024). Transforming the transportation sector: Mitigating greenhouse gas emissions through electric vehicles (EVs) and exploring sustainable pathways. AIP Advances, 14(3). https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0193506
Lamedica, R., Geri, A., Gatta, F. M., Sangiovanni, S., Maccioni, M., & Ruvio, A. (2019). Integrating electric vehicles in microgrids: overview on hosting capacity and new controls. IEEE Transactions on Industry Applications, 55(6), 7338–7346. https://doi.org/10.1109/tia.2019.2933800
Lanzini, P. (2024). Charging Ahead: A Survey-Based Study of Italian consumer readiness for electric vehicle adoption. Urban Science, 8(3), 142. https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci8030142
Li, K. & Wang, L. (2023). Optimal electric vehicle subsidy and pricing decisions with consideration of EV anxiety and EV preference in green and non-green consumers. Transportation Research Part E Logistics and Transportation Review, 170, 103010. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tre.2022.103010
Li, L., Wang, Z., Gong, Y., & Liu, S. (2022). Self-image motives for electric vehicle adoption: Evidence from China. Transportation Research Part D Transport and Environment, 109, 103383. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trd.2022.103383
Liu, H., Li, Y., Zhang, C., Li, J., Li, X., & Zhao, Y. (2022). Electric vehicle charging station location model considering charging choice behavior and range anxiety. Sustainability, 14(7), 4213. https://doi.org/10.3390/su14074213
Liu, R., Ding, Z., Jiang, X., Sun, J., Jiang, Y., & Qiang, W. (2020). How does experience impact the adoption willingness of battery electric vehicles? The role of psychological factors. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 27(20), 25230–25247. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-020-08834-w
Mastria, S., Vezzil, A., & De Cesarei, A. (2023). Going green: A review on the role of motivation in sustainable behavior. Sustainability, 15(21), 15429. https://doi.org/10.3390/su152115429
McKinney, T. R., Ballantyne, E. E. F., & Stone, D. A. (2025). Understanding the rural demographics need for electric vehicles. International Journal of Logistics Research and Applications, 1–18. https://doi.org/10.1080/13675567.2025.2475938
Mendoza, T. C. (2021). Addressing the “blind side” of the government’s jeepney “modernization” program (UP CIDS Discussion Paper 2021-02). University of the Philippines Center for Integrative and Development Studies, Program on Alternative Development.
Mohammad, A., Zamora, R., & Lie, T. T. (2020). Integration of electric vehicles in the distribution network: A review of PV based electric vehicle modelling. Energies, 13(17), 4541. https://doi.org/10.3390/en13174541
Morse, J. (2009). Mixed method design. Taylor & Francis. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315424538
Navarro, A. & Latigar, R. (2022). Road and rail transport infrastructure in the Philippines: Current state, issues, and challenges. Philippine Institute for Development Studies. https://hdl.handle.net/10419/284571
Nazari, F., Mohammadian, A., & Stephens, T. (2023). Exploring the role of perceived range anxiety in adoption behavior of plug-in electric vehicles. arXiv (Cornell University). https://doi.org/10.48550/arxiv.2308.10313
Noel, L., De Rubens, G. Z., Kester, J., & Sovacool, B. K. (2020). Understanding the socio-technical nexus of Nordic electric vehicle (EV) barriers: A qualitative discussion of range, price, charging and knowledge. Energy Policy, 138, 111292. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enpol.2020.111292
Özkan, O., Alola, A. A., & Adebayo, T. S. (2023). Environmental benefits of nonrenewable energy efficiency and renewable energy intensity in the USA and EU: Examining the role of clean technologies. Sustainable Energy Technologies and Assessments, 58, 103315. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.seta.2023.103315
Pamidimukkala, A., Kermanshachi, S., Rosenberger, J. M., & Hladik, G. (2023). Evaluation of barriers to electric vehicle adoption: A study of technological, environmental, financial, and infrastructure factors. Transportation Research Interdisciplinary Perspectives, 22, 100962. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trip.2023.100962
Presse, A., Brown, F., & Jackson, A. (2024). End of the road? Philippine jeepney uncertain future. ABS-CBN News. https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/2024/4/26/end-of-the-road-philippine-jeepneys-face-uncertain-future-1201
Qadir, S. A., Ahmad, F., Al-Wahedi, A. M. a. B., Iqbal, A., & Ali, A. (2024). Navigating the complex realities of electric vehicle adoption: A comprehensive study of government strategies, policies, and incentives. Energy Strategy Reviews, 53, 101379. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.esr.2024.101379
Qiu, Y., Zhou, P., & Sun, H. (2019). Assessing the effectiveness of city-level electric vehicle policies in China. Energy Policy, 130, 22–31. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enpol.2019.03.052
Rahman, M. M., & Thill, J. (2024). A comprehensive survey of the key determinants of electric vehicle adoption: Challenges and opportunities in the smart city context. World Electric Vehicle Journal, 15(12), 588. https://doi.org/10.3390/wevj15120588
Rakesh Jha & Singh, M. K. (2024). Analysing the impact of social influence on electric vehicle adoption: A deep learning-based simulation study in Jharkhand, India. International Journal of Computational and Experimental Science and Engineering, 10(4). https://doi.org/10.22399/ijcesen.371
Rani, P., Pannu, S., Dalal, G., Vyas, P., & Khurana, T. (2024). Predicting behavioural intention towards electric vehicle adoption in India: A unified TAM-SOBC framework. NMIMS Management Review. https://doi.org/10.1177/09711023241308416
Ritchie, H. (2020). Cars, planes, trains: Where do CO2 emissions from transport comes from? Our World in Data. https://ourworldindata.org/co2-emissions-from-transport.
S, S. R., Venugopal, P., V, R., Alhelou, H. H., Al-Hinai, A., & Siano, P. (2022). Analysis of electric vehicles with an economic perspective for the future electric market. Future Internet, 14(6), 172. https://doi.org/10.3390/fi14060172
Saflor, C. S. R., Mariñas, K. A., Gumasing, M. J., & Tangsoc, J. (2024). A Data-driven analysis of electric vehicle adoption barriers in the Philippines: Combining SEM and ANNS. World Electric Vehicle Journal, 15(11), 519. https://doi.org/10.3390/wevj15110519
Sanguesa, J. A., Torres-Sanz, V., Garrido, P., Martinez, F. J., & Marquez-Barja, J. M. (2021). A review on Electric Vehicles: Technologies and challenges. Smart Cities, 4(1), 372–404. https://doi.org/10.3390/smartcities4010022
Sharma, M., & Chowhan, S. S. (2025). Sustainable green environment towards the urban transport and automobiles: A study of e-vehicles. SSRN. https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.5159619
Stockkamp, C., Schäfer, J., Millemann, J. A., & Heidenreich, S. (2021). Identifying factors associated with consumers’ adoption of e-mobility: A systematic literature review. Sustainability, 13(19), 10975. https://doi.org/10.3390/su131910975
Sunio, V., Gaspay, S., Guillen, M. D., Mariano, P., & Mora, R. (2019). Analysis of the public transport modernization via system reconfiguration: The ongoing case in the Philippines. Transportation Research Part a Policy and Practice, 130, 1–19. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tra.2019.09.004.
Tarei, P. K., Chand, P., & Gupta, H. (2021). Barriers to the adoption of electric vehicles: Evidence from India. Journal of Cleaner Production, 291, 125847. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2021.125847
Tebbe, S. (2025, September 3). Peer Effects in Electric Car Adoption: Evidence from Sweden. Sebastian Tebbe. https://sebastiantebbe.github.io/publication/peer-effects-in-electric-car-adoption
Tiglao, N. C. C., Ng, A. C. L., Tacderas, M. a. Y., & Tolentino, N. J. Y. (2023). Crowdsourcing, digital co-production and collaborative governance for modernizing local public transport services: The exemplar of General Santos City, Philippines. Research in Transportation Economics, 100, 101328. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.retrec.2023.101328
Vaismoradi, M., Turunen, H., & Bondas, T. (2013). Content analysis and thematic analysis: Implications for conducting a qualitative descriptive study. Nursing and Health Sciences, 15(3), 398–405. https://doi.org/10.1111/nhs.12048
Verma, M., Verma, A., & Khan, M. (2020). Factors influencing the adoption of electric vehicles in Bengaluru. Transportation in Developing Economies, 6(2). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40890-020-0100-x
Vieira, V., Baptista, A., Cavadas, A., Pinto, G. F., Monteiro, J., & Ribeiro, L. (2025). Comparison of battery electrical vehicles and internal combustion engine vehicles–greenhouse gas emission life cycle assessment. Applied Sciences, 15(6), 3122. https://doi.org/10.3390/app15063122
Visaria, A. A., Jensen, A. F., Thorhauge, M., & Mabit, S. E. (2022). User preferences for EV charging, pricing schemes, and charging infrastructure. Transportation Research Part a Policy and Practice, 165, 120–143. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tra.2022.08.013
Wang, J., Zhang, W., Xiao, Wen, He, D., & Tu, R. (2024). Modeling battery electric vehicle users’ charging decisions in scenarios with both time-related and distance-related anxiety. arXiv.org. https://arxiv.org/abs/2412.162401.
Xue, C., Zhou, H., Wu, Q., Wu, X., & Xu, X. (2021). Impact of incentive policies and other socio-economic factors on electric vehicle market share: A panel data analysis from the 20 countries. Sustainability, 13(5), 2928. https://doi.org/10.3390/su13052928
Yankun, S. (2020). An empirical study on the influencing factors of consumers’ willingness to use pure electric vehicle based on TAM model. Dahe Fortune China Forum and Chinese High-educational Management Annual Academic Conference (DFHMC). https://doi.org/10.1109/DFHMC52214.2020.00063
Zhao, H., Bai, R., Liu, R., & Wang, H. (2022). Exploring purchase intentions of new energy vehicles: Do “mianzi” and green peer influence matter? Frontiers in Psychology, 13. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.951132
Zhuge, C., Wei, B., Shao, C., Dong, C., Meng, M., & Zhang, J. (2019). The potential influence of cost-related factors on the adoption of electric vehicle: An integrated micro-simulation approach. Journal of Cleaner Production, 2 50, 119479. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2019
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2026 Cristine S. Nacilla, Christian R. Osorio, Mercy Joy R. Mendez
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
