Brussels, 20 June 2024
A large European Alternative Fuels Observatory (EAFO) survey across twelve EU Member States, published today, highlights a favourable outlook on battery-electric cars. Despite price concerns, 57% of non-electric car drivers are considering making the switch to electric vehicles.
The EU’s commitment to reducing transport greenhouse gas emissions by 90% by 2050 – as laid out in the European Green Deal and the Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy – aligns with this trend, emphasising the role of zero-emission vehicles. The new Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR) boosts user-friendly public recharging infrastructure deployment across the EU.
The EAFO survey, with over 19,000 respondents, is one of the largest on consumer attitudes towards electromobility. It distinguishes between current battery electric car drivers (BEV drivers) and non-BEV drivers. Respondents highlighted the climate benefits and cost efficiency of BEVs as the main advantages of electric vehicles.
Price remains a major obstacle, with nearly two-thirds of respondents citing it as a barrier. However, a third plan to buy an electric car within five years.
The survey included respondents from Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden.
EAFO is the European Commission’s central reference portal for alternative fuels, infrastructure, and vehicles in Europe, providing data and information on various alternative transport fuels and supporting the implementation of the EU Directive on recharging and refueling stations.
You can find more information on the EAFO webpage, notably detailed country reports.