ROME – Italians are increasingly interested in electric and hybrid cars. But they are still confused and undecided in the face of technical differences and reasons for choosing a specific type of vehicle. Confusion and indecision mostly related to the costs of purchase, maintenance and recharging, doubts (in particular on the subject of batteries) and lack of knowledge (on the main characteristics and driving methods of these vehicles), all reasons that hold back one more wide diffusion. 2 out of 3 Italians, in fact, do not have correct information on the functioning of these engines, nor on the charging points and on the management of these cars in case of reserve.
These are the main evidences that emerge from the new instant survey “Hybrid and electric cars, what are the consumers’ doubts?”, Conducted by Areté. The survey was promoted eleven months after a previous similar study on the subject and highlights a growing attention on the part of Italians for electrified cars, however held back by some limits and doubts about their actual functioning.
One in five Italians would buy an electric car. The hybrid convinces one in 2. The diesel surprise
by Valerio Berruti
Electric, hybrid or endothermic?
The study starts from the analysis of the knowledge of these cars by the Italians. How many really know how they work, how to recharge, the quantities of emissions produced, their operating costs and autonomy? Overall, uncertainty prevails over almost all the technical characteristics of these models; over 2 out of 3 Italians are undecided or have incorrect information on the matter. For example, only 40% of respondents are aware of the fact that hybrid engines have significant differences depending on the type (full, mild and plug-in), even 31% believe that all Hybrid models need to be recharged on plug. 42% that all hybrid and electric cars are zero-emission cars and that the electric car can be recharged directly at the power outlet without any modification to the electricity contract, or installation of special equipment (eg wall box); finally 63% think that all hybrids are able to travel at least 50 km traveling in electric mode.
Doubts about battery life and maintenance costs
Lack of knowledge contributes to fueling doubts: 43% still have concerns related to the battery issue (duration, autonomy, places and recharge times), 21% do not have clear costs and times of maintenance, 12% have doubts about the infrastructures charging and rescue in case of reserve.
Yet 77% of the sample said they are ready to choose an electrified car in the future (23% even electric). Among the reasons that push in this direction, attention to the environment remains dominant (54%), followed by possible savings on fuel costs (19%).
The economic push … which is missing
Overcoming the “still high pricing” obstacle could be decisive for the electricity change. When asked “which of the following aspects would push you to buy an electric car?”, The most popular answers are in fact those of an economic nature: lower price (24%), more consistent incentives (21%), an advantageous financing plan (10%). And the percentage rises to an overall 76% if we also consider the desire to install the charging system at home included in the price.
But how much more would Italians be willing to pay to switch from cars with internal combustion engines to electric? 63% of the sample say they are willing to pay only between 5% and 10% more for an electrified car. “The study shows that in Italy the interest in electrified cars has further grown in the last year”, underlines Massimo Ghenzer – President of Areté, “but the confusion on the part of consumers on the differences and on the functioning of these is also increasing. engines. An uncertainty that also affects infrastructure and charging costs. We need more and more effective communication from the car manufacturers to be able to overcome the skepticism that still surrounds some key issues for this market, primarily on the issue of batteries and maintenance costs “.
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