Electric Cars: Study of First-time Buyers Stromernde Target Group

Who buys most likely an electric car? What influences the purchase decision? These and many other questions are answered, a new study by the Fraunhofer Institute. Result: The target audience is male and has money.

You are male, between 40 and 50 years old, well educated, with above average income? They are technologically adept and stay with family in the countryside or in the suburbs? Then you are ready for an electric car . This has at least one recent study found the Fraunhofer Institute for Systems and Innovation Research ISI in Karlsruhe. Under the title "potential for sales of electric vehicles in so-called early adopters" (loosely translated: "Early consumers"), the researchers identified the typical buyer target group for e-cars. From among these, according to the will of the federal government in 2020 about one million copies on German roads.

The empirical investigation revealed also by economic potential fuel savings when purchasing plays a minor role. Reason is the still high purchase price for electricity. Purchase incentives, however, especially a positive environmental impact and greater driving pleasure through increased acceleration. But the accepted premium over conventional vehicles is well below the current costs for electric cars. Say, like to buy electric cars - but not at today's prices. Deterrence is also the still limited range of electricity.

Buying potential, the researchers also among working, versed in technology as well as men over 50 with even older retirees, who plays for the less technical but more of a role in comfort. As "early adopters" are eligible also - not surprisingly - an environmentally conscious people who are dependent on a car. Since sales to private individuals still far below expectations , is recommended by the research team to take, especially business customers to target. After all, a high mileage improves the efficiency of the (still) very expensive cars of the future.