Electric vehicle adoption and sustainability outcomes: an integrated TAM–TPB–TBL analysis with awareness and government support

The transition towards low-carbon transportation has intensified interest in electric vehicles (EVs), yet adoption remains uneven despite ambitious policy targets such as India’s 2030 electrification goal. This study examines behavioural drivers of EV adoption and associated sustainability outcomes by integrating the theory of planned behaviour (TPB), the technology acceptance model (TAM), and the triple bottom line (TBL) framework into a single analytical model. TPB explains behavioural intention through attitude and subjective norms, while TAM explains technology adoption through perceived ease of use (PEOU), and TBL evaluates sustainability outcomes across environmental, economic, and social dimensions. Survey data from 710 respondents were analysed using PLS-SEM. The results indicate that behavioural intention is strongly influenced by attitude and subjective norms, which in turn enhance PEOU and EV adoption. EV adoption is positively associated with environmental and economic sustainability, whereas perceived social sustainability remains comparatively weaker. Awareness mediates the relationship between EV adoption and sustainability outcomes, and government support both directly strengthens sustainability outcomes and moderates the relationship between behavioural intention and EV adoption. Originality/value: This study contributes to the literature by (i) empirically integrating the TPB, TAM, and TBL frameworks to link EV adoption behaviour with sustainability outcomes, (ii) identifying the mediating role of awareness and the direct effects of government support, and (iii) revealing an asymmetry in sustainability outcomes, where environmental and economic benefits exceed social benefits. The findings provide policy-relevant insights for incentive design, awareness programmes, and infrastructure planning to accelerate sustainable electric mobility.