Beyond Adoption: Developing a Theoretical Model to Explain Sustained Technology Use

While much research over the years has been devoted to explaining the initial adoption of technology, the factors that sustain the use of innovations over time remain unexplored. This study puts forward the Model for Sustained Technology Use (MSTU) to fill the gap. This conceptual framework explains what motivates individuals to use technology after adopting it. To explain the behavioural intention for Sustained Technology Use (STU), the model draws from the extant literature and proposes three core factors, i.e., Satisfaction (ST), Perceived Usefulness (PU), and Habit (HB). Using structural equation modelling for quantitative analysis, this study empirically evaluates the framework and examines the significance of the constructs in the battery electric vehicles (BEVs) domain. The analysis indicates that the proposed constructs significantly shape owners’ intentions to use the technology over time. Specifically, the continuance intention of BEV owners appears to be driven by their satisfaction with the technology (ST), its perceived usefulness (PU), and the habitual use (HB) of vehicles. Thus, the findings highlight how positive experiences, tangible benefits, and consistent habits support the long-term commitment to use a given technology. Beyond enriching the literature on technology adoption, this study may offer actionable insights for manufacturers, policymakers, and marketers. The ultimate aim of the MSTU is to propose a simple and concise approach to exploring users’ enduring use of various types of technologies.