ECONOMIC, PSYCHOLOGICAL, AND POLICY DRIVERS OF BIOETHANOL FUEL ACCEPTANCE: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Abstract

The transition from fossil fuels to renewable transportation energy increasingly depends on consumer acceptance of bioethanol fuel. Although previous studies have examined consumer responses to bioethanol and ethanol-blended fuels, the evidence remains fragmented across economic, psychological, and policy perspectives. This study systematically reviews the factors influencing consumer acceptance of bioethanol fuel and identifies gaps for future research. The review was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Database searches identified 65 records. After removing seven duplicates and six records for other reasons, 52 records were screened. Ten records were excluded during title and abstract screening, while two reports could not be retrieved. Of the 40 full-text reports assessed for eligibility, three were excluded because of an irrelevant advertising context, the absence of empirical or conceptual evidence, and language limitations or unclear findings. Consequently, 37 studies were included in the final synthesis. The findings reveal that consumer acceptance is shaped by the interaction of three major categories of determinants. Economic drivers include fuel price, price competitiveness, affordability, perceived economic value, vehicle-related costs, and willingness to pay. Psychological drivers encompass environmental concern, knowledge, perceived benefits, perceived risks, trust, product familiarity, and vehicle compatibility. Policy-related drivers include government incentives, blending mandates, infrastructure readiness, certification, information provision, and policy credibility. The review indicates that environmental benefits alone are insufficient to ensure acceptance when consumers perceive bioethanol fuel as costly, risky, incompatible, or inadequately supported by public policy. This study develops an integrative framework explaining bioethanol fuel acceptance and provides implications for policymakers, fuel producers, and researchers seeking to accelerate the transition toward sustainable transportation energy.