A survey conducted by European energy company E.ON has found that the primary reason drivers are switching to fully electric cars is the lower energy costs associated with them, rather than a desire to protect the climate. The survey of 1,000 drivers revealed that 59% made the switch due to lower costs, while 53% cited climate protection as a reason. Additionally, 43% of respondents mentioned lower maintenance costs, taxes, and parking fees as factors influencing their decision.
The survey also dispelled common concerns about electric vehicles. About half of the respondents had initially worried that the range of an electric car would be too short, but these concerns disappeared after purchasing an electric vehicle. Jens Michael Peters, managing director for energy solutions and e-mobility at E.ON Germany, noted that uncertainties about electromobility often stem from a lack of experience with e-cars.
Families with children were found to be at the forefront of combining electric vehicles with home solar energy systems. Approximately 82% of e-car drivers with children already own a photovoltaic system, with a further 9% planning to install one within the next three years. Moreover, 64% of families switched to electric vehicles for cost reasons, a higher proportion than the average respondent.
Despite the growing adoption of electric vehicles, Germany is still far from meeting its target of having 15 million EVs on its roads by 2030, following a 27% reduction in sales of new battery electric cars in 2024. In response, the German car industry has called for the EU’s 2035 ban on the sale of new combustion engine vehicles to be reversed.
Survey Highlights
- 59% of drivers switched to electric vehicles due to lower energy costs
- 53% cited climate protection as a reason for switching
- 43% mentioned lower maintenance costs, taxes, and parking fees as influencing factors
- 82% of e-car drivers with children own a photovoltaic system
- 64% of families switched to electric vehicles for cost reasons
