Electric vehicles (EVs) are emerging as a key innovation for sustainable mobility, offering reduced dependence on fossil fuels and lower greenhouse gas emissions. In India, the transportation sector contributes significantly to national emissions, and government initiatives such as subsidies and incentive schemes have accelerated the development of the EV market. Despite this progress, adoption remains uneven, particularly among young consumers who represent the future demand for sustainable transportation.

This study investigates the determinants of EV adoption among young adults in Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh, using data from 120 college students. The research model integrates the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) with contextual factors such as awareness, environmental concern, social influence, charging infrastructure, and cost barriers. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire using a five-point Likert scale and analyzed using PLS-SEM.

The findings reveal that perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness significantly influence attitude toward EVs, which in turn positively affects purchase intention. Additionally, perceived usefulness directly impacts purchase intention. However, awareness, environmental concern, social influence, and cost barriers were not significant predictors of attitude, while charging infrastructure showed only marginal influence. These results suggest that young adults in Bilaspur prioritize practical usability and perceived benefits of EVs over environmental or social motivations. The study offers valuable insights for policymakers, educational institutions, and EV manufacturers to design targeted strategies that enhance usability, improve perceived benefits, and address infrastructure concerns to encourage EV adoption among youth in emerging urban contexts.