By Abbas Nazil
A recent survey conducted by European energy company E.ON has revealed that the majority of electric vehicle (EV) buyers are more motivated by financial savings than environmental concerns.
According to the findings, 59 percent of drivers cited lower energy costs as the primary reason for switching to a fully electric car, compared to 53 percent who pointed to climate protection as a motivating factor.
The survey, which involved 1,000 participants, sheds light on the evolving consumer mindset as the auto industry continues its shift toward electromobility.
Additional cost-saving incentives such as reduced maintenance, tax breaks, and cheaper parking have also influenced buyer decisions, with 43 percent of respondents listing these as contributing factors.
Notably, families emerged as a particularly cost-conscious group, with 64 percent indicating financial savings as their main reason for purchasing an EV, surpassing the overall average.
The integration of home solar systems has also been more prevalent among families.
The survey found that 82 percent of EV drivers with children already have photovoltaic systems installed at home, and another 9 percent plan to adopt solar energy within the next three years.
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Despite initial skepticism among prospective EV buyers—especially regarding limited driving range—those concerns often dissipate after firsthand experience.
Nearly half of respondents admitted they had reservations about the range of electric cars before making the switch.
However, these worries largely disappeared post-purchase, highlighting a growing acceptance of e-mobility.
Jens Michael Peters, Managing Director for Energy Solutions and E-Mobility at E.ON Germany, emphasized that many doubts about electric vehicles stem from inexperience.
“Uncertainties and reservations about electromobility are often felt by those who have not yet had the opportunity to test an e-car for themselves,” he said.
Peters added that the high registration numbers of e-cars in the first half of 2025 and the survey’s results indicate a rising level of trust and acceptance among consumers.
However, the momentum in Germany’s EV market appears to be facing significant challenges. After a notable 27 percent decline in new battery electric vehicle (BEV) sales in 2024, the country remains far from achieving its former target of having 15 million electric vehicles on the road by 2030.
The sluggish progress has prompted calls from within the German automotive industry for the European Union to reconsider its plan to ban the sale of new combustion engine vehicles by 2035.
The survey highlights a crucial reality: while environmental awareness is growing, economic considerations continue to drive the electric vehicle market.
As policymakers and automakers plan for the future, the findings suggest that ensuring affordability and addressing practical concerns may be just as important as promoting climate benefits.
