MUNICH (dpa-AFX) - The switch to electric cars is being held back by rising costs and a lack of infrastructure, according to a consumer survey. Despite a growing choice of models, only 16 percent of respondents would take a pure electric car when buying their next car, the consultancy Deloitte reported on Tuesday. At the end of 2021, the share was therefore 15 percent.

Lower operating costs and government purchase bonuses were key arguments in Germany for buying an e-car, it said. "Now electricity costs are shooting up, while subsidies are gradually being cut back and will even expire in 2025. This will lead to fewer electric cars being sold in the future," said industry expert Harald Proff.

Deloitte surveyed around 26,000 consumers in 24 countries, including 1506 in Germany, in the fall of 2022. German consumers cited lower fuel costs as the most important argument for buying an e-car, followed by concerns about climate change and government incentive programs. They cited range as the biggest concern: At 57 percent, it was cited most often, followed by a lack of public charging infrastructure (47 percent), charging time and not being able to charge at home (45 percent each).

According to the survey, a quarter of respondents expect at least 500 kilometers of range, and another third at least 600 kilometers. If climate-friendly fuel (e-fuel) were available, half of those interested in buying an electric car would buy a combustion engine.

75 percent of those surveyed in Germany would most often charge their e-car at home. This desire has increased compared to the previous year (70 percent), although charging options are lacking, especially in densely populated cities, Deloitte further reported.

In China, the acceptance of pure electric vehicles is greater. There, 27 percent bought an e-car. The most important purchase argument there is the driving experience./rol/DP/stk