HUK Mobility Study 2024: E-mobility loses approval - Transportation network as a growth inhibitor

Around two-thirds of Germans believe, according to a representative survey by HUK Coburg, that the condition of the transport network hinders the economic development of the Federal Republic (63%) and "does not correspond to that of a modern industrial country" (68%). The state should invest here "if necessary at the expense of other governmental tasks in the social or cultural sector" (62%). However, the rail network is twice as strongly criticized as the roads.

While 75 percent of the population believes that "shifting passenger traffic from roads to rail is fundamentally the right strategy," more than half (57%) are also convinced that "this does not work in practice in Germany." Accordingly, only 13 percent of the population believes that the transport network of roads and rail in Germany is better than in comparable European countries.

Growing Concern about State Regulations

The HUK Mobility Study, conducted for the fourth consecutive year as a representative survey of more than 4,000 people aged 16 and over, also shows growing concern about state regulations this year. One in four fears "too much public paternalism" with new mobility concepts – last year it was one in five. Similarly, concern about "loss of individuality and self-determination" has increased (from 19% to 23%). Interestingly, every third respondent feared last year that "there is too much focus on battery-powered electric drives compared to other climate-neutral technologies (such as hydrogen, e-fuels, etc.)." This proportion has now significantly decreased (from 33% to 26%).

"We are now at a crucial point in mobility policy: Citizens need clarity and consistency in state programs and strategies, because especially in e-mobility, there is a willingness to switch, particularly among younger drivers," explains Dr. Jörg Rheinländer, a board member at HUK-COBURG:

E-Cars Losing - Car Remains Overall Most Popular

According to the HUK Mobility Study, the elimination of the state purchase premium at the end of 2023 has reduced or completely eliminated the willingness to buy an e-car for one in four people (24%), and in Berlin for almost one in three. Additionally, this reaction was twice as strong among younger people under 40 compared to older people (38% to 17%). There is generally a significant generational difference in the evaluation of electric cars. Those under 40 see the e-car almost twice as often as the ideal means of transportation for the future (22%) compared to those over 40 (12%).

Since the evaluation of the e-car among older people has worsened significantly compared to the previous year, the overall assessment of the e-car as the ideal future means of transportation has also fallen compared to 2023 (from 19% to 15%). The evaluation of cars with alternative climate-friendly drives such as hydrogen or e-fuels has decreased even more sharply (from 18% to 12%).

E-fuels Losing Ground as a Beacon of Hope

While sympathy toward conventional combustion engines appears to be rising again, a counter trend is emerging for climate-friendly propulsion alternatives. As one of the most important initial measures within a sustainable mobility concept for Germany, 16% of the population were in favor of switching to climate-neutral fuels (E-fuels) last year. The current mobility study now shows a reduction to only 9%, which is almost half. The desire to switch to cars powered by hydrogen or fuel cells has also declined just as drastically, from 25% to 14%. The demand for an immediate switch to battery-powered electric cars remains at only 6%, unchanged since the last survey.

Interestingly, at 72% - exactly the same as last year - the car remains by far the mode of transportation that best meets the mobility requirements of all respondents for the future.

"Conversely, this means that conventional cars with combustion engines have regained favor among Germans," summarizes Dr. Jörg Rheinländer.

Changed Mobility Behavior

Due to current conditions, almost two-thirds of Germans have changed their mobility behavior. One third (33%) now shop more online, according to their own statements. Equally, many drive less to city centers for shopping. One in five respondents (21%) communicate more frequently with friends and relatives digitally, rather than visiting them in person. An almost equally large group has limited their attendance at events such as concerts or theater performances (19%).