Despite the industry's confusing messages, EU citizens show growing interest in electric vehicles
The European Alternative Fuel Observatory (EAFO) has published the Consumer Monitor 2025, offering new insights on how consumers from the EU-27 perceive battery electric vehicles (BEVs). The survey, based on responses from over 3,000 licensed drivers, examines perceptions, willingness to adopt, and the main barriers to the uptake of electric vehicles.
The findings show that around 80% of European consumers hold positive or neutral views of electric cars. Despite this, a significant number of drivers are still uncertain about whether BEVs suit their everyday mobility needs. Not surprisingly, familiarity with electric vehicles is higher in countries with larger shares of BEVs, such as Denmark, Ireland, Luxembourg, Germany, and the Netherlands, where personal use, peer influence, and public visibility shape attitudes. Socio-economic and housing conditions also play an important role in consumer perceptions of electromobility.
Concerns about the availability of public recharging infrastructure have diminished since 2023, reflecting the rapid expansion of networks across Europe in line with AFIR targets. Yet access to reliable near-home charging remains critical, particularly for households in apartments without private parking. The purchase cost of electric vehicles continues to be the primary obstacle for many consumers, even as environmental benefits, enjoyable driving characteristics, and economical use are recognised as key advantages. A substantial share of respondents are considering purchasing a BEV for their next car, indicating a growing acceptance of electric cars as realistic options.
Why is this important?
The transition towards zero-emission mobility across Europe is a key objective of the EU Green Deal, but for it to be successful, the right enabling conditions must be in place, including stable EU policy signals and continued dialogue between cities, industry, and other stakeholders. To change drivers perspectives towards BEVs, scaling up EV charging infrastructure as a standalone policy tool is not sufficient - it is also equally important to ensure a priori affordability of EVs, reliability of service, and fair market conditions. The Consumer Monitor 2025 is part of the European Alternative Fuel Observatory’s ongoing efforts to provide policymakers, industry, and the public with evidence-based insights into the adoption of alternative fuel vehicles.
Want to know more?
You can read the EAFO 2025 Consumer Monitor Report here, and the respective EU-27 Factsheet here.
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