Majority of car buyers support return of the e-car purchase bonus
E-cars are still bought less than combustion engines – a new subsidy could help. This is also shown by a survey by the online portal Carwow.
The new federal government of CDU/CSU and SPD is planning new purchase incentives for electric cars to boost sales of electric vehicles again. A recent flash survey by the online car portal Carwow with over 1,100 participants shows that the majority of car buyers support this step.
70% of respondents support new purchase bonus
According to the Carwow survey, 70% of respondents are in favor of reintroducing a government purchase premium for electric vehicles. 67% say that such a subsidy would influence their decision to choose an electric car for their next car purchase. Measures such as direct purchase incentives (64%), tax benefits (40%) as well as subsidies for private charging infrastructure (26%) and charging costs (25%) are also particularly in demand.
"Our data clearly show that without financial incentives, the switch to electric mobility remains unattractive for many. Other countries also have sanctions for combustion engines to boost the switch to EVs," says Philipp Sayler von Amende, Managing Director of Carwow Germany. "Price parity between electric and combustion vehicles has not yet been reached – there is still a significant gap, especially in the lower price segment."
Price differences still exist – especially for low-cost models
Despite falling prices for electric cars, the average price difference to combustion engines remains around 15%. In the lower price segment, the difference is even greater. "There are currently only two electric models on Carwow for less than 20,000 euros - compared to 29 combustion engines," explains Philipp Sayler from Amende. "This shows that there is a lack of affordable e-cars, especially in the entry-level sector."
In addition to the acquisition costs, leasing rates also play a role. "Leasing prices follow a similar trend to purchase prices: On average, monthly instalments for electric vehicles are around 15% higher than those of comparable combustion engines," explains Sayler von Amende. Here, too, social leasing offers are a good way to promote the switch, von Amende continues.
No market breakthrough without subsidies and price adjustment
For the further development in 2025 and 2026, the Carwow managing director sees several influencing factors: "How the Chinese brands position themselves, which import tariffs apply and, above all, what subsidies are offered - all this will decide how quickly e-mobility arrives in the mass market."
The Carwow boss sees a strong signal in the current survey: "The demand is there - but not at any price. We need a broader range of models, lower entry prices and stable subsidy conditions so that more people switch to electric."