Ionity, the high power charging network, has conducted a European-wide survey on motorists' attitudes towards electric vehicles (EVs) and other topics related to the future of e-mobility. It found there were considerable differences between the countries but even bigger commonalities, and a great need for clarification on e-mobility across the board.

The majority of European motorists believe that in 10 years we will be driving predominantly electric cars – a satisfying outlook. According to the findings, 30% of those surveyed across Europe were actually considering switching to electric cars within the next 12 months. The reduction of CO2 emissions (39%) was a decisive argument for those who already drive electric cars. Only in Italy government subsidies were the main reason for switching to electric cars (57%).

Across Europe, the survey found range anxiety and charging times were still the main barriers to adopting and switching to electric vehicles. Considering reasons for hesitation among drivers of internal combustion vehicles (ICEs), there was unanimity across borders: 37 % of those surveyed said "a bigger range" is the key reason to switch to an electric car.  

However, the development of the charging infrastructure in the individual countries across Europe influenced the perceptions. In the Netherlands, a country with well-developed charging infrastructure, drivers of electric cars actually had fewer concerns about charging times (37%) or charging stations (35%) based on their experiences. Nevertheless, there was also a discrepancy between assumptions and actual experience. For example, non-EV drivers in the Netherlands immediately thought of the search for charging stations (49%) or the duration of the charging process (43%). However, the situation was completely different in Spain, a country with a comparatively underdeveloped charging infrastructure. In Spain, EV drivers signalled great concern with the charging network and most often associated driving an electric vehicle with searching for charging stations (65%).

The survey found:

  • 30% (41% ES vs 18% FR) are considering buying an electric car in the next 12 months
  • 71% (66% FR vs 83% IT) would be willing to pay more to charge 100% renewable energy
  • 19% (8% IT vs 24% DT) believe that in 10 years, internal combustion cars will still be driven the most
  • 15% (19% DE vs 9% PT) think that combustion cars are more environmentally friendly than e-cars

Additional European insights:

  • 32% of all German respondents believe EVs don't work in cold temperatures
  • 54% of Brits are not convinced about financial incentives
  • 67% of Norwegian EV drivers use fast-charging stations when they are available

 In the UK, the top 5 reasons for owning an EV include:

  • 1st place – 34% said to reduce carbon footprint 
  • 2nd place – 29% said saving money in maintenance costs

In the UK, the main incentive to buy an EV includes:

  • 1st place – the ability to drive further on a single charge (34%)
  • 2nd place – More charging points available in my area (28%)