The number of people looking to buy an EV across Europe has been unaffected by the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic, according to new research.
Data from across Europe’s key new car markets comparing car buying considerations before Covid-19 lockdowns in January and then again in June found that consumers were just as willing to consider an EV in the midst of the pandemic.
The poll, conducted by YouGov, surveyed more than 11,000 people across the UK, France, Denmark, Italy, France, Finland, Germany, Italy, Norway, Sweden and Spain and asked the likelihood that someone would consider an EV. This includes both new and used EVs.
In the UK, 14 per cent of people were considering an EV in January, but fast forward to June and this had increased to 17 per cent. Despite this, the UK’s drivers were the least likely in this survey to consider an EV, with those in Spain and Finland being the most likely to buy an EV with 37 per cent and 33 per cent respectively.
However, while not many Brits would consider an EV, more are willing to recommend an electric model to friends and family, with 16 per cent of those surveyed in January and 22 per cent in June.
Kai Virtanen, head of consumer research at YouGov, said: “Covid-19 has undoubtedly hit so many industries hard – so it may be a relief to many auto manufacturers that purchase consideration and recommendation for electric cars has remained broadly consistent across Europe during the pandemic.
“As our research shows, there is a large pool of potential buyers out there. Only by listening and understanding their motives – which can vary heavily from country to country – will they address many of the barriers that stopped potential buyers even before the pandemic.”
