A new survey by Bloomberg Intelligence has found that only 16% of potential car purchasers across major markets in Europe would opt for a pure battery electric vehicle in the next 12 months, while 44% would prefer a hybrid model. Cars with some form of internal combustion engine remain the preference of 82% of those surveyed. 

Michael Dean, Senior Autos Analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence, said, “Europeans continue to favour internal combustion engine models, including hybrids, and not the battery electric vehicles promoted by policymakers, posing a potential stumbling block to pure-plays like Tesla. The lack of charging stations and range concerns, are the main issues, with high prices and falling subsidies also deterrents.”

Interestingly less than 10% of buyers were seeking, or willing to pay extra, for autonomous-driving features, also questioning the technological direction of car design. 

83% of respondents thought new car prices were too high and 19% said they would postpone any purchase in anticipation of prices coming down. Long delivery lead times were also an issue with 45% of buyers not prepared to wait more than 3 months for their car and 80% not willing to wait over 6 months. This is one of the main reasons for brand switching. 

However, most Europeans appear loyal to their marque with 61% saying they would stick to the same manufacturer for their next purchase. This is good news for German car makers, where brand loyalty is strongest and illustrates how new Chinese manufacturers face major challenges to make a serious impact in Europe.  

The Bloomberg Intelligence report findings were based on a survey of 1500 people looking to buy a car in the next 12 months in the major markets of Germany, the UK, France, Italy and Spain.