Most Car Buyers Already Want Electric

All those who plan to buy a car in the next two years in Hungary would like to purchase an electric or hybrid vehicle.

The majority of buyers are planning to choose a hybrid or fully electric model for their next car, according to an EY international survey of more than 15,000 consumers. Nine out of ten would even pay a premium for an electric car, as petrol and diesel have become so expensive.

More than half (55%) of those planning to buy a car in the next two years would switch to a fully electric or hybrid model, according to the survey. The main reason for this decision is increased fuel prices, which have overtaken environmental concerns.

According to the survey, SUVs are the most popular type among prospective buyers (43%), while a third of respondents (33%) would choose a sedan.

Nearly all respondents (88%) would be willing to pay a premium to drive an electric car, with the majority of respondents willing to pay 11-20% more for such a car.

In contrast, the difference between the price of a new electric car and that of a petrol car could be up to 30-40% on average. And although current fuel prices are boosting demand for e-cars, this price rise will not last forever," according to Roland László, head of business consulting at EY, adding that consumers are increasingly confident in electric cars, but many still have reservations about the technology.

One in three respondents would be most put off by the lack of an established charging network.