EY Survey: More People Would Buy Electric Cars Again - Is the Market Turning?

Global demand for new cars could rise somewhat in the future - including those with electric drives. This is according to a recent survey by the consulting and auditing company EY. According to the survey, 40 percent of respondents indicated that they intend to buy a new car by mid-2026. This was seven percentage points more than the survey conducted a year earlier. For the study, 19,000 people in 28 countries were surveyed - of which 1,000 were in Germany. The survey was conducted in the summer.

A quarter would choose an electric vehicle

24 percent of those who intend to purchase a new car stated that they are likely to buy an electric vehicle. Compared to the previous year's survey, this was a slight increase. At that time, one-fifth leaned towards electric cars. Cars with gasoline engines remain the most popular at 29 percent. Accordingly, 33 percent of potential buyers would decide on hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles combined, and eight percent for diesel cars.

People are holding back their money

In Germany, 28 percent of respondents stated that they intend to buy a new car within the next two years. This was five percentage points more than the previous year. In terms of drive type, the results are similar to the global distribution: essentially, only electric cars are somewhat more popular at 26 percent, also compared to the European average of 21 percent. Slightly more potential buyers are also found for diesel cars. Fewer people would decide on hybrid vehicles. 

Due to the poor economic situation, many people are currently holding on to their money. Expensive car purchases are often postponed. Recently, sales of the world's largest automakers have declined. This was also reflected in Germany by the registration numbers: In the first nine months of the year, a total of 2.12 million cars were newly registered according to the industry association VDA - one percent less than in the same period of the previous year. The number of registrations for pure electric vehicles declined by 29 percent during this period.