How can smartphone apps increase electric vehicle user acceptance of supplier managed charging? An investigation of psychosocial constructs using Australian data

Abstract

Electric vehicles are a promising technology to facilitate the decarbonisation of the transport sector. However, their environmental footprint depends on whether charging practices are aligned with renewable generation. Demand-side management strategies, such as supplier managed smart charging (SMSC), have emerged as a key approach to reduce the mismatch between energy generation and consumption patterns while optimising energy utilisation and enhancing grid stability. This paper examines factors influencing consumer intention to adopt SMSC. Additionally, it explores the role of smartphone apps in moderating the risk perception of users regarding supplier management. The study adopts a structural equation modelling framework and uses data from a sample of 994 drivers, including 97 EV owners, in the Australian context. Our findings reveal the interplay between several psychosocial factors, such as environmental responsibility, privacy concerns, and the desire for control, along with perceived relative advantages and risks associated with consumer-product interactions, in shaping consumer intentions toward SMSC adoption. We observe that the presence of an override app makes individuals less sensitive to the perceived risks as well as perceived advantages associated with supplier management. This suggests that the override ability can be a persuasion shortcut to get users onboard with supplier management. Additionally, our results indicate that strategies to tackle privacy concerns, such as transparent data practices, direct benefits for data sharing, and providing users with options to control their data, are essential to encourage SMSC adoption.