The uptake of electric vehicles (EVs) plays a key role in the development of environmentally friendly transport solutions. This study explores factors influencing EV adoption in Hungary, with a particular focus on infrastructural and digital elements. Building on the theoretical foundations of technology acceptance models, the research shifts attention from individual psychological variables to objectively measurable external factors. The rationale for focusing on Hungary lies in its status as a post-communist, structurally constrained country with uneven access to digital services and public charging infrastructure. A nationally representative questionnaire survey of 2000 respondents was conducted to examine the intention to purchase EVs and its predictors. Regression results show that the availability of charging stations has a significant but weak effect on purchase intention (β = 0.145, p < 0.001, R² = 2.1–2.5 %). Mobile internet coverage showed minimal impact (β = 0.087, p < 0.001, R² = 0.8–1.4 %). Traffic congestion was positively associated with EV purchase intention (β = 0.168, p < 0.001, R² = 2.9–3.3 %), indicating that residents of congested urban areas show greater interest in EVs. The findings suggest that while infrastructure matters, it alone is insufficient. An integrated strategy combining public incentives, infrastructure investment, and consumer education is needed to foster EV uptake. For policymakers and automotive stakeholders, the results highlight the importance of cost reduction, supportive regulation, and long-term sustainability benefits in promoting EV adoption in transition economies.