There is greater interest in hybrid cars than in electric vehicles, but many would like to switch to e-fuels as an alternative to e-cars. These are the results of a recent Deloitte study.
The management consultancy Deloitte has been conducting the Global Automotive Consumer Study since 2010 on a regular basis. In autumn 2022, 26,000 consumers in 24 countries worldwide were asked about their preferences in the automotive sector - 1,506 of them in Germany. Electromobility was a key topic.
Hybrids more in demand than e-cars
Under the influence of the turnaround in interest rates, inflation, increases in the cost of batteries, vehicles and electricity, many consumers are taking a more pessimistic view of the subject of electromobility. Despite the steadily increasing number of electric models, only 16 percent of those surveyed would choose a purely electric car the next time they buy a car. At the end of 2021 it was 15 percent - but then a sharp increase compared to 2020, when 6 percent made the same statement. Although the environmental bonus for hybrid vehicles expired at the turn of the year 2022/2023, the proportion of respondents who would opt for this drive type is significantly higher: for plug-in and hybrid vehicles at a total of 27 percent.
In a comparison of the global focus markets (China, India, South Korea, USA, Japan, Germany and Southeast Asia), acceptance for pure electric vehicles is greatest in China. There, 27 percent would buy such a car next. German consumers cited lower fuel costs as the most important argument for buying an e-car, followed by concerns about climate change and finally government subsidy programs.
Better e-fuel than e-car
However, the study also found that 49 percent of those interested in buying an electrified car would reconsider their decision for such a vehicle and opt for a combustion engine powered by environmentally friendly e-fuel, if such fuel were available. 36 percent answered this question with "maybe".
In Germany, the lack of charging infrastructure in particular is slowing down the spread of e-cars. 75 percent of those surveyed in Germany most often want to charge their car at home. This desire has increased compared to the previous year (70%) - although there are no charging facilities in densely populated cities. In addition, expectations of the range are high: almost half of those surveyed expect a range of 400 to 599 kilometers for a positive purchase decision. For 30 percent you should be able to drive more than 600 kilometers with a full battery. The demands of German customers are only topped by customers in the USA. Here, 19 percent of those surveyed expect a range of at least 965 kilometers (600 miles). The Japanese are more modest. Here, for example, only 53 percent expect a range of 400 kilometers or more.
They prefer to charge at home
German e-car buyers are almost relaxed when it comes to charging times at public charging stations. While in Germany only 13 percent of those surveyed expect to be able to charge their vehicle from 0 to 80 percent within 20 minutes, the demands in all other focus markets are significantly higher in this regard. 57 percent would even accept a loading time of 41 minutes or more in this country - also a top value in an international comparison. However, consumers across all markets agree that they would prefer to charge their electric car at home.
Conclusion
German consumers are still not convinced by electric cars. The lack of charging infrastructure and the high costs deter buyers here. Many would prefer to buy a hybrid model or even switch to e-fuels if they were widely available. These are the results of a consumer survey by the management consultancy Deloitte.
