All of the Netherlands in an electric car in 2050? TNO still sees quite a few obstacles
Electric occasions: slowly but surely
We are on the right track in the Netherlands, but much remains to be done to have everyone driving fully electric by 2050.
The used electric car market is growing, but not fast enough yet.
In 2023, only 2.2% of used cars were fully electric, slightly more than in 2022.
People are still hesitating: price, range and mileage are often deciding factors.
Different types of buyers
TNO, commissioned by the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management, has investigated what is important to different groups of people considering buying a used electric car.
For the study, more than 1,500 people were surveyed who plan to buy or lease a used car within five years.
Of this group, nearly half chose an electric option in the survey.
But there are also many doubters.
For them, the price still plays a big role, as well as the range and mileage of the car.
These are the three most important factors when choosing a used EV.
People want value for money and want to be sure they can travel the distance they need with their car without worry.
Pioneers and fossil drivers
The survey reveals five types of buyers: the EV pioneer, the follower, the price-conscious, the security-seeker and the fossil driver
- EV pioneer: This group is already fully convinced and almost always chooses electric.
They make up a relatively small part of the market (15%), but they are important vanguards. - The follower: These are people who find electric driving attractive, but are not yet fully convinced.
They choose an EV in most cases, but follow developments closely. - Price-conscious buyers: This group pays particular attention to cost.
They are perfectly willing to drive electric, but only if the price is right.
If the purchase price goes down or fuel prices go up, they are more likely to choose an EV. - The certainty seeker: These are the doubters.
They want certainty about things like reliability and range, and prefer to wait until the technology has proven itself even further. - The fossil driver: This group sticks to traditional gasoline or diesel cars.
They are skeptical of electric vehicles and almost never opt for them.
What can help?
To convince more people, according to the study, electric cars need to become more affordable and buyers need to see the benefits.
Consider test drive days, where you can experience an EV for yourself.
And if you get a replacement car during maintenance?
Turn that into an EV.
That’s how you help win over doubters.