A global survey into how likely consumers would be to consider buying or leasing an electric vehicle as their next vehicle, finds China is the clear market leader.
According to Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited Global Manufacturing Industry, 93 per cent of those surveyed in China identify themselves as at least willing to purchase an electric vehicle; compared to 69 per cent in Europe, 54 per cent in the USA and 48 per cent in Japan. In terms of the potential first movers segment, only 12 per cent in the US said they would be potential first movers in buying or leasing an electric vehicle; compared to 50 per cent in China, 16 per cent in Europe and just four per cent in Japan.
In addition, the survey looked into consumer expectations for range and found that the combined expectations are two-three times (200-300miles) the current market offering. Consumers also expect a charge time of two hours or less.
In China, the tipping point appears to be fuel prices influencing consumer adoption of electric vehicles with 66 per cent saying they are “much more likely” to consider an electric vehicle if prices rose to the equivalent of $1.53/litre. If fuel consumption of internal combustion engines rose to 78mpg, 82 per cent would be less likely to purchase an electric vehicle.
Meanwhile, in Europe, the survey conducted across seven countries found that fuel prices is another tipping point here too – with 63 per cent “much more likely” to purchase an electric vehicle if costs rise to €2.00 a litre. The majority of respondents (57 per cent) who said they would be willing to consider an electric vehicle also said they would expect to pay the same or less for an electric vehicle than a regular car.
Finally, in the US, 78 per cent of consumers would consider purchasing an electric vehicle when fuel prices reach $5 a gallon but more than half of US consumers are not willing to pay any premium for an electric vehicle compared to a regular car.
