Marketing Strategy and Preference Analysis of Electric Cars in a Developing Country: A Perspective from the Philippines

The wide-scale integration of electric vehicles (EVs) in developed countries represents a significant technological innovation and a step toward reducing carbon emissions from transportation. Conversely, in developing nations like the Philippines, the adoption and availability of EVs have not been as rapid or widespread compared to other countries. In identifying this gap, this study delved into the preferences and factors influencing Filipino consumers' willingness to purchase EVs. The study gathered 311 valid responses utilizing conjoint analysis with an orthogonal approach to assess the attributes influencing customers' purchase decisions. Conjoint analysis tools such as IBM SPSS v25 statistics were utilized to infer consumer preference. The results determined that cost is the primary concern for consumers by a considerable margin; followed by battery type and charging method; along with the type of EV, driving range, and charging speed; and most minor concern is regenerative brakes. Therefore, there is an apparent sensitivity to price and technology. This study is the first to apply conjoint analysis to the Philippine market, delivering in-depth consumer preference insights that can help manufacturers and policymakers customize their approach to making EVs more attractive and more viable in less developed markets. The results suggest that a targeted effort to overcome cost barriers and improve technological literacy among prospective buyers should be productive for speeding up EV adoption in the Philippines. The results could be extended in future research to a broader assessment of socioeconomic and environmental benefits, laying out a broader plan for promoting sustainable solutions in transportation.