Survey: This is what Germans think about used electric cars

The online automotive marketplace AutoScout24 has published the results of a survey on drivers' attitudes towards used electric cars. The survey was conducted in collaboration with the market research institute Innofact among 1,045 drivers in Germany. It gathered insights on the current attitude towards previously driven electric vehicles and the prevailing concerns regarding their purchase.

Increasing Supply

The reason for the survey was an analysis of internal AutoScout24 data published in January. The analysis provided insights into the development of the used car market for electric vehicles over the last four years. It showed that the supply in the electric sector is gradually increasing, and a downward trend in prices can also be observed. These developments are positive for buyers. However, the question remains whether drivers are even interested in second-hand electric vehicles. The following survey results therefore provide an answer to this question.

Purchase Interest Still Cautious

According to the survey, a total of 22% of respondents intend to buy a used electric vehicle. Among them, 12% are already planning to make the purchase within the next two years. This mainly concerns men and individuals under 30 years old. For one in four drivers, the stance is less clear. They do not rule out the purchase of a used car from the electric sector. However, they are waiting for changes in the conditions, e.g., a stronger expansion of the charging station network.

For 43%, investing in a second-hand electric vehicle is out of the question. This attitude is particularly prevalent among people aged 50 to 65. Among them, 56% reject such a purchase. Thus, the willingness to buy second-hand electric cars seems to decrease with age.

Range Anxiety and Concerns About Potential Risks

The survey shows that 95% of respondents have reservations about the technical reliability of used electric cars, regardless of a planned purchase. There are particularly strong concerns regarding the reliability of used electric batteries: 75% of respondents voice concerns about performance and lifespan of previously driven models. Additionally, 57% have doubts about the current availability of charging stations. Rising energy costs are a concern for half of the respondents when buying used electric vehicles. This is particularly pronounced among the age group of 18 to 29-year-olds (57%). Furthermore, 41% have concerns about potential dangers, especially fire hazards, with women (50%) agreeing more often than men (33%).

Subsidies Influence Purchasing Decisions

With the expiration of the environmental bonus in December 2023, a significant incentive for buyers will be removed. Unlike manufacturer discounts, this state subsidy applied under certain conditions to used electric cars. Therefore, survey participants should also indicate whether such subsidies make them more willing to purchase a used electric vehicle.

More than half of the respondents (58%) stated that subsidies would positively influence their willingness to buy. Particularly people between 18 and 39 years agreed that they would be more likely to purchase a second-hand electric vehicle due to subsidies. However, this age group already showed the greatest openness in their basic attitude towards purchasing.