Investigation Reveals: A Significant Number of Second-hand Car Users Express Skepticism Towards Electric Vehicle Batteries
In the summer of 2025, a survey by Civey for Automobilwoche revealed that skepticism towards electric mobility remains prevalent among many Germans. The main concerns revolve around driving range and charging infrastructure, despite recent improvements in electric vehicle (EV) performance and range.
Steffen Braun, a market researcher, noted that doubts about battery performance and everyday usability are the primary reasons for rejection of electric cars. The survey found that 47% of potential used car buyers completely rule out electric cars.
Owners of electric cars often express dissatisfaction with the charging infrastructure. The main criticism is the lack of uniform payment systems, with 62% of drivers complaining about it. Half of electric car drivers also criticize the lack of transparency in pricing at charging stations.
The German government has provided strong incentives to encourage EV adoption, such as purchase subsidies up to €9,000 for eligible models and tax benefits maintained until the end of 2025. However, these measures do not seem to have significantly addressed the concerns raised by the survey.
The existing electrical grids, especially in rural areas, often cannot handle the high energy demand from multiple fast chargers running simultaneously, leading to power delivery restrictions. Additionally, the lack of universal charging standards complicates charger compatibility, increasing costs for charging station operators and slowing deployment. The survey suggests that insufficient charging station density also creates barriers to convenient EV use.
Despite these challenges, the demand for used electric cars remains low, with 63% of potential buyers rejecting them. Price is the most important criterion for 47% of respondents when purchasing an electric car, highlighting the need for affordable options to increase adoption.
Steffen Braun from Civey called for more transparency in electric mobility, stating that simplicity and transparency are urgent. He emphasized that electric mobility is not sold on ideals but on price. At charging stations, pricing is described as a "guessing game" compared to gas stations.
The survey suggests that transparency and simplicity are key to improving electric mobility. As more people become interested in used electric cars, with around 16,000 changes of ownership per month, addressing these concerns could pave the way for wider adoption of electric vehicles in Germany.
Technology plays a crucial role in overcoming the challenges faced by electric mobility. Steffen Braun from Civey suggests that improving transparency and simplicity in charging station operations could help address concerns, potentially boosting the adoption of used electric cars.
