MUNICH/COLOGNE (dpa-AFX) - The surge in gasoline prices following the conflict involving Iran has sparked greater consumer interest in electric vehicles. This trend has been confirmed by online platforms Carwow and MeinAuto.de in response to inquiries from the Deutsche Presse-Agentur.
"Rising oil prices have a direct impact on interest in electric cars. Our data shows that since February 28, the share of electric vehicle configurations has risen from 55 percent to as high as 63 percent over the weekend," says Philipp Sayler von Amende, CEO of Carwow Germany. On a weekly average, electric cars stand at around 59 percent. This indicates that many consumers are reacting to rising fuel costs.
According to its own data, Meinauto.de is recording a significant increase in interest regarding topics related to more affordable driving. Offers and content concerning alternative fuels such as electric and E20, as well as guides on fuel-saving, are currently being accessed at above-average rates, according to a spokesperson.
No decline in overall interest in mobility
While electric cars are gaining ground, demand for traditional powertrains is slipping slightly, according to Carwow. "Gasoline and diesel models together now account for only about 23 percent of configurations, falling below the levels seen at the end of February. Hybrids, on the other hand, remain relatively stable at around 15 percent," explains Carwow CEO Sayler von Amende.
According to Meinauto.de, there is no observable decline in overall interest in mobility. However, a certain level of caution is evident when it comes to final purchasing decisions. "We are currently sensing that some prospective buyers are postponing their decision for a new car slightly, waiting to see how energy prices and the geopolitical situation develop," the spokesperson emphasized.
Subsidies between 1,500 and 6,000 euros
The Federal Ministry for the Environment announced in January that private customers could once again receive government subsidies for the purchase of pure electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids, and electric cars with range extenders. Depending on the type of vehicle and personal circumstances, the subsidy ranges between 1,500 and 6,000 euros. However, there are income caps for eligibility - these are set at a household income of 80,000 euros per year, or 90,000 euros for families with two children. Customer interest surged shortly after the announcement of the new subsidies, MarketScreener and Meinauto.de confirmed./dmo/DP/zb
