70% of European drivers considering an EV

About 70% of European drivers say they would consider buying an EV as their next car, mainly for the environmental benefits offered by a zero-emissions vehicle (49%).

OnePoll surveyed 7000 respondents from the United Kingdom, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, Italy and the Nordics (Norway, Sweden and Denmark) from January 29 to February 23 this year – the numbers evenly split between EV and internal combustion engine (ICE) owners.

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 preventing drivers from making the switch, the research demonstrates there are good reasons to change to an EV.

EV driver satisfaction is high, with 89% of EV drivers saying the switch to EV was the right decision, especially in ditching diesel and petrol.

About 74% feel more relaxed in an EV and 77% find it smoother to drive than an ICE vehicle.

Some 97% of EV drivers found the transition from ICE to EV “as expected” or “easier”.

Furthermore, 70% of motorists admit the range autonomy of their EV is better than expected before purchase.

This counteracts the 58% of ICE owners not considering an EV because they believe they offer low driving range.

“With this new research, we’re seeing first-hand that European drivers are embracing electrification,” Nissan AMIEO product strategy and pricing region vice president Arnaud Charpentier says.

 “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,” he adds.

“From low running costs to surprising performance, electric cars like the Nissan Leaf have transformed the everyday driving experience for the better.”

Despite a contrast emerging among the EV motorists and ICE drivers, the importance of sustainability remains clear across the board – nearly 85% of all drivers surveyed place value on being environmentally friendly.

About 34% of EV drivers made the decision to switch thanks to the advanced technology offering in electric cars, and 31% of ICE drivers considering an EV also confirm the advanced technology is tempting them to convert.

Nearly half (49%) of ICE drivers are considering the switch as EVs are environmentally friendly, with 40% of EV drivers having switched for the same reason and 33% of them due to EVs’ zero emissions.

Low running costs tempt 31% of ICE drivers considering the switch while 83% of EV drivers admit their EV has lower running costs than expected.

Nissan plans to be carbon neutral by 2050 across products and operations.

For Europe, electrified vehicles will represent about half of the sales by the end of FY23.

Meanwhile, Nissan is launching a new online fuel saving calculator for customers to calculate how much switching to a Leaf could save them over time.

A new testimonial video series My Life with a Nissan Leaf spotlights authentic owners’ stories and the benefits of electric driving.