Title: The Diffusion of Innovation and perceived risk for the adoption of alternative energy vehicles

Authors: Hsin-Ying Wu, Charles V. Trappey, Richard A. Feinberg

Addresses: Department of Technology Management, The Open University of Kaohsiung, 436 Daye North Rd., Siaogang Dist., Kaohsiung, 81249, Taiwan. ' Department of Management Science, National Chiao Tung University, 1001 Ta Hsueh Rd., Hsinchu, 300, Taiwan. ' Department of Consumer Science and Retailing, Purdue University, 812 West State St., West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA

Abstract: Many researchers have studied alternative energy issues from a policy or industry viewpoint, but few have explored the consumer|s beliefs and opinions. Since most applications of alternative energy are being developed for the consumer market, the consumer|s acceptance and adoption of these new fuels and alternative energy vehicles are key factors to consider. This research studies the consumer|s attitude toward vehicles using biofuel or hydrogen and evaluates the factors which influence the consumer|s purchase decisions regarding these cars.

Keywords: AOI; adoption of innovation; alternative energy; biofuels; hydrogen; consumer behaviour; alternative fuels; consumer attitudes; consumer perceptions; alternative fuel vehicles; innovation diffusion; automotive fuels; automobile industry.

DOI: 10.1504/IJIL.2010.035032

International Journal of Innovation and Learning, 2010 Vol.8 No.3, pp.296 - 315

Published online: 01 Sep 2010 *

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