Personal and technological determinants of electric vehicle adoption in Oman: The moderating role of government innovation capability

Abstract

The adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) is a crucial step toward sustainable transportation, yet its expansion in emerging markets like Oman faces several challenges. Limited charging infrastructure, technological readiness, and policy support impact the adoption rate. This study investigates the interplay between personal and technological determinants influencing EV adoption in Oman, emphasizing the moderating role of government innovation capability. A structured survey was conducted among 410 decision-makers from key regulatory bodies, and data were analysed using structural equation modelling. The research confirms that social norms, together with perceived usefulness and driver IT competency and system quality, substantially boost EV adoption, but insufficient charging facilities continue as the primary impediment. The capability for government innovation acts as a moderator that alters how social norms, system quality, and charging infrastructure influence the adoption of EVs. The study shows that EV adoption requires both governmental policy intervention and infrastructure development and consumer education programs for successful implementation. This research connects government innovation capability to established models, guiding both policymakers and industry leaders who want to develop a technologically progressive EV ecosystem. Research should expand beyond this study by using multiple stakeholder perspectives and combining longitudinal timeframes and various research methods to achieve better insights into electric vehicle adoption patterns.