When asked if they would consider buying an electric vehicle as their next car, 70% of European drivers say they would. The most popular reason for drivers considering the change is the environmental benefits offered by a zero-emissions vehicle (49%).
The pan-European survey is Nissan’s most comprehensive investigation into the driving habits and charging experience of EV drivers to date. Dispelling many of the myths currently preventing drivers from making the switch, the research demonstrates there are good reasons to change to an EV.
In order to understand what motivates or prevents drivers switching to electric mobility, Nissan surveyed 7,000 motorists across Europe, split evenly between EV and ICE (internal combustion engine) motorists. The respondents came from France, Germany, the UK, Netherlands, Spain, Italy and the Nordics (Norway, Sweden and Denmark) from 29th January 2021 to 23rd February 2021. The survey was conducted online using panel members who are credited to participate in surveys.
Initial findings uncovered that EV driver satisfaction is promisingly high, with 89% of EV drivers saying the switch to EV was the right decision. 74% feel more relaxed and 77% find it smoother to drive than an ICE vehicle. With 97% of EV drivers finding the transition from ICE to EV “as expected” or “easier”, it portrays a promising prospect for those willing to embark on their electrification journey.
Indeed, the findings come on top of a recent Zap-Map survey in the UK, which revealed that EV switchers don’t look back. The poll of Zap-Map’s active community of EV drivers found that more than 90% of drivers would not be replacing their current EV with a petrol or diesel vehicle.
Strong evidence of a fundamental shift in consumer attitudes in favour of environmentally friendly cars, the Zap-Map survey polled over 2,000 respondents and took place in November 2020. 91% said “no thanks” to replacing their EVs with a petrol or diesel vehicle. In contrast, less than 1% were hankering for a return to fossil fuels. 9% said they were not sure.
The Zap-Map survey polled over 2,000 users of the app.
Nissan’s pan-European survey also found that the majority (70%) of motorists admit the range autonomy of their EV is better than expected before purchase. This counteracts the 58% of ICE owners who are not considering an EV because they believe they offer low driving range and demonstrates the reality that owning an electric vehicle is highly positive.
Arnaud Charpentier, Region Vice President, Product Strategy & Pricing at Nissan AMIEO, said:
“With this new research, we’re seeing first-hand that European drivers are embracing electrification. Just as they are continuing to explore what electric vehicles have to offer, we are committed to showing them the vast benefits of electric mobility and how easy actually it is to make the switch.”
“From low running costs to surprising performance, electric cars like the Nissan LEAF have transformed the everyday driving experience for the better,” Charpentier added.
Indeed, the popularity of the Nissan Leaf was also reflected in Zap-Map’s November survey, with the Leaf achieving a high level of driver satisfaction (90%), alongside the Renault Zoe (92%).
