Analysing Factors Affecting User Intentions with regard to Hydrogen FCEVs in the UAE
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Date
2025-01
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The British University in Dubai (BUiD)
Abstract
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) faces critical environmental challenges due to high CO₂ emissions, with the transportation sector contributing significantly to the country's carbon footprint. To address this, the study explores hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) as a sustainable alternative. It aims to assess user behaviour intention (BI) for future adoption of FCEVs, by applying the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) model. The factors examined are performance expectations (PE), effort expectations (EE), social impact (SI), environmental concerns (EC), perceived safety concerns (PS), Policy incentives (PI), and technological knowledge, awareness (TA) is a moderating factor. The online survey conducted in the UAE resulted in 292 participants. The UTAUT model was estimated using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM). Considering that that FCEVs are still not available in the UAE. The findings indicate that, PE, SI is positively affects BI toward FCEVs, emerged as the most powerful drivers of user’s intentions to purchase it. EE, EC, PS, PI had no effect on BI toward FCEVs. Despite various policy incentives, a lack of hydrogen refuelling infrastructure hinders intention to adopt. Technology knowledge positively moderates EE and negatively SI toward FCEVs. However, those with greater TA tend to accept this technology since they believe it to be easy to use, and they will use their own judgment instead of peer influence in their intention to adopt it. The study recommends that automakers and UAE policymakers prioritize infrastructure development and education initiatives. Also reduce reliance on financial assistance only in the initial stages. Support the hydrogen economy and develop sustainable transportation goals.
Keywords: HFCEVs, Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), Hydrogen, UAE, User intention, Technology knowledge and awareness.
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Keywords
FCEVs, Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), hydrogen, UAE, user intention, technology knowledge and awareness