Only 8% of consumers across five major European automotive markets say they would choose a battery electric car as their next vehicle, according to a YouGov survey commissioned by CLEPA. The findings highlight persistent concerns over affordability, charging infrastructure and the readiness of European countries for full electrification.
Electric cars in Europe: only 8% would choose a BEV next
What type of powertrain will European consumers choose for their next car? A YouGov survey commissioned by CLEPA, involving more than 5,200 people in Italy, France, Spain, Germany and Poland, provides a snapshot of purchasing intentions across five countries representing around 70% of the EU automotive market.
The results suggest that support for the decarbonisation of transport does not automatically translate into willingness to bear higher costs. Respondents broadly favour the transition towards lower-emission mobility, but also want consumers to retain access to different technologies and policies to reflect the actual market conditions in individual countries.
Would Europeans choose an electric car?
When asked directly about their next vehicle, just 8% of respondents said they would choose a battery electric vehicle (BEV), with purchasing intentions spread across several different powertrain technologies.
In Italy, the proportion falls to 6%, below the 8% recorded across the five European markets surveyed. In practical terms, only six out of every 100 Italian respondents currently say they are ready to choose a fully electric car.
At the same time, 47% of respondents favour incentives for less polluting vehicles without banning existing technologies. A further 17% support banning other powertrains if they are considered polluting.
The figures highlight one of the central challenges surrounding electric cars in Europe: consumers may support decarbonisation in principle while remaining cautious about how quickly, and at what cost, the transition should take place.
Three in four say their country is not ready for electric cars in Europe
Another finding points to widespread doubts over Europe’s preparedness for full electrification. Around 75% of respondents believe their country is not yet ready.
Vehicle prices remain high, charging infrastructure is still considered insufficient and electricity costs are perceived as another obstacle compared with petrol and diesel, although the current energy context and the war in Iran have altered that comparison.
Italian respondents reinforce this picture. Their answers point towards support for technology neutrality and technological plurality, allowing consumers to retain a degree of choice, while at the same time calling for faster progress on the conditions needed to enable the transition.
Waiting for the European Parliament vote
Valvassori’s comments refer to upcoming votes in the European Parliament on the revision of the performance standards governing emissions from light-duty vehicles.
EU legislation includes a review clause requiring the European Commission and Parliament to assess progress within the automotive sector. The European Parliament is expected to vote on the updated proposal to revise the standards, including provisions addressing vehicles’ real-world emissions and testing of plug-in hybrid cars, in November 2026.
A preliminary discussion in the Council of the European Union is scheduled for 12 October 2026.
