Research: Most Customers Are Not Considering Buying an Electric Car

While the European Union remains committed to banning the sale of new internal combustion engine vehicles by 2035, survey results indicate that drivers are still not ready to make a mass transition to electric power. Electric vehicle manufacturers are facing a challenging period where demand does not align with political and regulatory goals.

A study by the automotive data company carVertical revealed that more than half of respondents (51.5 percent) would currently not purchase an electric car. Only 12.2 percent would consider buying one, while 36.3 percent remained undecided. Consumer preferences continue to be strongly oriented towards gasoline (43.8 percent) and diesel (38.9 percent), with only 5.6 percent opting for electric power.

– High prices of electric vehicles, lack of charging infrastructure, and myths surrounding this technology are the main reasons why people are still not ready – explains Matas Buzelis, an automotive expert at carVertical.

Subsidies Are Not a Long-Term Solution

Although financial incentives temporarily boost sales, the experience of European markets shows that sales plummet sharply after their removal. Germany and Sweden have already eliminated subsidies, resulting in a significant drop in consumer interest. The same is true in the U.S., where numerous support programs were cut during Donald Trump’s administration, slowing the development of electric vehicle infrastructure and markets.

In Croatia, however, the situation appears more optimistic. According to sector information, a call for state subsidies of up to €9,000 per vehicle is expected to be announced soon, applicable to new electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles, while plug-in hybrids will be excluded.

Customers Seek Lower Costs and Tax Benefits

Among those who would consider an electric car, the most common motivations are lower maintenance costs (47.2 percent) and tax benefits (17.6 percent). In EU countries such as Germany, France, and the Netherlands, electric cars enjoy significant tax advantages, while rising fuel prices further stimulate interest. However, environmental reasons remain secondary – only 14 percent of respondents cite environmental protection as a key factor, raising questions about the actual sustainability of green policies that heavily rely on incentives and regulation.

According to data from the classifieds platform Njuškalo, the domestic electric vehicle market shows signs of maturation. The most sought-after model is the Tesla Model 3, with the average price of a used vehicle from 2021 being around €28,000. More affordable models, such as the Renault Twingo Electric and Smart EQ fortwo, are available for about €13,000, while the luxury segment is led by the Porsche Taycan, with prices for used examples exceeding €80,000.

There are also differences in sales dynamics – the Renault ZOE sells on average in 42 days, while models like the VW ID.3 can wait for a buyer for up to three months.

Automakers worldwide are responding to challenges by cutting costs and jobs. Stellantis has temporarily laid off 900 workers in the U.S., General Motors plans to cut more than three thousand jobs, while Nissan announces the elimination of up to 10,000 jobs and the closure of seven factories. Layoffs have also been announced by Porsche, Volvo, and Volkswagen, indicating a deep restructuring of the sector.

Chinese Manufacturers Disrupt the Balance

Additional pressure is coming from China. BYD surpassed Tesla in electric vehicle sales in Europe for the first time in April 2025, recording a 359 percent increase compared to the previous year. Despite EU customs barriers, Chinese manufacturers are rapidly expanding their market share, raising questions about the competitiveness of the European automotive industry.

The first wave of electric vehicle customers has passed; those most interested have already acquired them. Manufacturers now face a significantly tougher task: convincing a broader consumer base that electric vehicles are a cost-effective and reliable long-term alternative. As Buzelis notes:

– True demand will only rise when customers organically begin to choose electric vehicles, not because of subsidies, but due to real savings and practical advantages – concludes Buzelis.