Electric cars are still unpopular in Austria. The currently discussed reduction of public subsidies would likely further dampen the willingness to buy e-cars, according to the results of a recent study by the consulting firm Deloitte.

Electric Cars Remain Slow Sellers in Austria

"According to the study, only 7 percent of respondents would choose a fully battery-powered vehicle for their next car purchase, and only 8 percent would opt for a plug-in hybrid," explains Matthias Kunsch, Partner at Deloitte Austria. "These are alarmingly low numbers that endanger the mobility transition in this country."

For the current edition of the "Global Automotive Consumer Study," Deloitte surveyed 31,000 people in 30 countries, 1,000 of them in Austria. The result: The e-car market in Austria - unlike in other European countries - continues to stagnate.

Limited Range and High Purchase Prices Deter Buyers

49 percent of respondents cited limited range as a reason why an electric car would not be an option for them. For 43 percent, the purchase costs are too high. A large portion of potential buyers does not want to spend more than 30,000 euros on their next car. "There are now also more affordable models, but the offering in this segment definitely needs to be broader," says Kunsch.

Lower fuel costs would be an argument for buying an electric car, say 48 percent of respondents. For 27 percent, government subsidies are a significant incentive.

The success of the mobility transition, however, does not only depend on the availability of e-vehicles but also on a comprehensive and easily accessible range of charging options, explained Kunsch. For 38 percent of respondents, installing their own charging station is not feasible, and for 18 percent, it would be too expensive.

(APA/Red)

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