In our latest series on electromobility, we take a look at the everyday lives of electric vehicle owners and the extent to which they match up with drivers’ expectations. The results of our survey provide revealing insights. One remarkable result is that the survey participants cover an average of 20,500 kilometres per year in their electric cars, which is significantly higher than the national average for conventional combustion vehicles. But what possible reasons could be behind this above-average use of electric vehicles?
One decisive factor is undoubtedly the prospect of lower operating costs. Electric vehicles are characterised by their energy efficiency, which translates into lower operating and maintenance costs. This is also reflected in the survey results, where 91% of respondents said they were (very) satisfied with the overall cost-effectiveness of their electric car.
Another important aspect is driving comfort. Electric cars are often characterised by a quiet, low-vibration driving experience, which is particularly attractive for commuters and frequent drivers. But the real driving pleasure lies in the acceleration. Due to their immediate torque availability, electric cars offer an impressive and exhilarating acceleration experience that excites many drivers.
However, the transition to electric cars also has an impact on drivers’ everyday lives. One of the most noticeable aspects is the adjustment in driving behaviour. One electric car owner reported: “You’ve slowed down considerably. I used to be someone who always drove relatively fast. You rarely do that now because you’re simply looking at the range.” This illustrates how range and the availability of charging stations can have a significant impact on driving behaviour.
Another positive effect is the conscious use of breaks during charging, as described by one respondent: “I enjoy my breaks and use them productively for other things.” Electric car drivers find creative ways to organise their charging times in a meaningful way, be it for errands, relaxation or work. An impressive example of this was shared by another participant: “I was in Italy, you see charging stations at outlet centres, then you go shopping. The car is simply an experience in itself, I would just say that.” This illustrates how electromobility not only enriches the driving experience itself, but also opens up new possibilities for leisure activities.
Despite the positive experiences, there are also challenges, such as the longer charging time compared to filling up with petrol or diesel. One owner of an electric car summed this up: “The downside, of course: the charging time. I can’t fully charge within two minutes. It just takes a moment, but if you plan it a bit, there’s not really much of a limitation, but there is one, I would say.”
In our next article, we will be looking at the topic of “Electric cars in urban areas: Challenges and benefits”. We will discuss in detail the specific hurdles as well as the numerous advantages of electric mobility in urban environments. Stay tuned for this insightful discussion on the future of urban mobility!
Take a look at our LinkedIn profile at https://www.linkedin.com/company/tema-q/ to gain exciting insights into the world of customer and employee experience in the future.
If you have any questions about these or other topics, or would like a live demo version of ClaralytiX via video conference, click hereto make an appointment or contactus.