Driving the Change: Perspectives of Electric Vehicle Owners on Transitioning to Electric Vehicles in General Santos City

Document Types

Paper Presentation

Research Theme (for Paper Presentation and Poster Presentation submissions only)

Sustainability, Environment, and Energy (SEE)

School Name

Mindanao State University General Santos City

Track or Strand

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)

Research Advisor (Last Name, First Name, Middle Initial)

Paid , Jaydee, G.

Start Date

25-6-2026 10:30 AM

End Date

25-6-2026 12:00 PM

Zoom Link/ Room Assignment

Online - https://zoom.us/j/92594857524 Meeting ID: 925 9485 7524 | Passcode: research

Abstract/Executive Summary

The transition to electric vehicles (EVs) has been promoted as a key strategy for reducing carbon emissions and fostering sustainable urban mobility. However, EV adoption in HUC (Highly Urbanized City) Philippine cities remains limited due to persistent systemic barriers. This qualitative descriptive study explored the perceptions of private electric vehicle owners in General Santos City, with particular focus on their motivations for adoption, the systemic barriers they encountered, the strategies they employed to navigate these barriers, and their insights for informing local policy measures. Using a purposive sampling technique, semi-structured interviews were conducted with three (3) private EV owners who had sustained experience using electric vehicles in the city. The collected data were analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis. Findings revealed that EV ownership was primarily motivated by economic practicality, ease of use, environmental sustainability, and interest in vehicle modernity. Despite these motivations, participants experienced systemic barriers such as limited charging infrastructure, range anxiety, lack of local technical support, and dependence on distant service centers. To cope with these challenges, EV owners adopted adaptive strategies including careful route planning, home charging arrangements, and community-based information sharing. Participants also emphasized the need for stronger local government involvement through infrastructure expansion, technical training programs, and targeted incentives. The study highlights the importance of addressing localized systemic barriers to support equitable EV adoption beyond major metropolitan areas and provides context-specific insights to guide local policymakers in strengthening electric mobility initiatives.

Keywords

electric vehicles; systemic barriers; EV adoption; sustainable transportation; General Santos City

Statement of Originality

yes

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Jun 25th, 10:30 AM Jun 25th, 12:00 PM

Driving the Change: Perspectives of Electric Vehicle Owners on Transitioning to Electric Vehicles in General Santos City

The transition to electric vehicles (EVs) has been promoted as a key strategy for reducing carbon emissions and fostering sustainable urban mobility. However, EV adoption in HUC (Highly Urbanized City) Philippine cities remains limited due to persistent systemic barriers. This qualitative descriptive study explored the perceptions of private electric vehicle owners in General Santos City, with particular focus on their motivations for adoption, the systemic barriers they encountered, the strategies they employed to navigate these barriers, and their insights for informing local policy measures. Using a purposive sampling technique, semi-structured interviews were conducted with three (3) private EV owners who had sustained experience using electric vehicles in the city. The collected data were analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis. Findings revealed that EV ownership was primarily motivated by economic practicality, ease of use, environmental sustainability, and interest in vehicle modernity. Despite these motivations, participants experienced systemic barriers such as limited charging infrastructure, range anxiety, lack of local technical support, and dependence on distant service centers. To cope with these challenges, EV owners adopted adaptive strategies including careful route planning, home charging arrangements, and community-based information sharing. Participants also emphasized the need for stronger local government involvement through infrastructure expansion, technical training programs, and targeted incentives. The study highlights the importance of addressing localized systemic barriers to support equitable EV adoption beyond major metropolitan areas and provides context-specific insights to guide local policymakers in strengthening electric mobility initiatives.

https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/conf_shsrescon/2026/BoA_SEE/3