The satisfaction of electric car owners in Germany is decreasing, with the highest customer satisfaction being reported for Tesla, Genesis, and Porsche. As the number of electric car registrations continues to rise in Germany and many other countries, concerns about a global electricity shortage have been raised. The expansion of charging stations is also problematic, according to a study by the Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (KfW), as it is currently being done in a haphazard manner. However, these are problems that will only become apparent in a few years.
A recent survey conducted by market research firm UScale among 4,500 electric car owners aimed to determine their overall satisfaction with their vehicles, as well as the strengths and weaknesses of electric cars and the popularity of different manufacturers. While some consumers expressed positive opinions about certain electric vehicles, the study found that overall satisfaction with electric cars has decreased. Despite technical improvements in the vehicles, the survey showed a decrease in the recommendation rate. In the current year, only 18% of respondents would recommend an electric car, compared to 30% in the previous year, representing a significant decrease of 40%.
One possible reason for this trend could be the changing customer profile. In the past, environmentally conscious consumers were the main buyers of electric vehicles, but now factors such as cost and driving behavior are becoming more important. However, challenges such as charging capacity, driving range, and software continue to affect the overall impression of electric cars. Tesla was the most recommended brand, with 69% of owners saying they would recommend it, followed by Genesis (63%) and Porsche (62%). BMW (59%), Mercedes (43%), Audi (33%), and VW (32%) were in the middle of the pack, while Opel (8%), Peugeot (11%), and Nissan (13%) had few owners who would recommend them.
Overall, the survey results indicate that there is still room for improvement for all electric cars. While Tesla impresses with its software, range, and charging capacity, there is room for improvement in the overall vehicle quality. Conventional car manufacturers such as BMW, Mercedes, Audi, and VW have recognized expertise in vehicle manufacturing, but they seem to be facing challenges in meeting current e-mobility standards.
