In a recent survey conducted by the European Alternative Fuels Observatory (EAFO) in partnership with Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) and Belgian motoring organisation Touring, electric vehicle (EV) drivers in Belgium expressed high satisfaction with the range their vehicles offer.
However, the survey also highlighted concerns regarding the high cost of EVs, with many drivers calling for financial incentives to make the switch more accessible.
The 2023 survey, which gathered insights from 1,536 drivers across Europe, included 96 Belgian EV drivers, revealing that nearly 83% of them are content with the distance they can travel on a single battery charge.
Despite this positive reception towards range, the high price of EVs stood out as the most significant drawback.
EV Range: A Non-Issue for Most
One of the primary concerns associated with EVs, particularly in their early stages, was “range anxiety” – the fear that the vehicle’s battery would run out of charge before reaching its destination.
Over time, advancements in battery technology have expanded the range that EVs can cover, alleviating some of this anxiety. The recent EAFO survey confirms that this fear is now largely unfounded among existing EV owners.
According to the results, 32% of the surveyed drivers said their EV’s range is “always” sufficient, while 51% found it “usually” enough for their needs.
This leaves only a small fraction of 17% who expressed dissatisfaction with the distance they could travel on a single charge.
Touring commented on the findings, noting, “One of the main obstacles has always been range, and the fear of not reaching one’s destination, even with a fully charged battery. However, this criticism does not seem to come from EV drivers themselves.”
Discrepancy Between Official and Actual Range
Although a significant majority of drivers were happy with the range, there were noticeable differences between the official ranges advertised by manufacturers and the actual distances drivers could travel. Just 30% of respondents said that their EVs reached the official range promised by manufacturers.
A substantial number reported shortfalls in their vehicle’s performance, with 23% saying the actual range was about 10% less than expected, 32% experiencing a 10-20% gap, and 14% seeing a discrepancy of more than 20%.
Despite these differences, most drivers felt that the available range met their daily needs, indicating that the issue may not be as severe as previously perceived.
Climate and Environmental Benefits Drive EV Popularity
When asked about the benefits of driving an electric vehicle, the majority of drivers pointed to the environmental advantages.
The survey revealed that 45% of Belgian respondents cited climate benefits, particularly the role EVs play in reducing global warming by cutting down on greenhouse gas emissions.
A further 35% highlighted the absence of direct tailpipe emissions, such as nitrogen oxides and particulate matter, which are significant contributors to air pollution.
Apart from the environmental factors, EV drivers appreciated the vehicles’ quietness and driving comfort. Around 30% of respondents praised the silent ride and smooth performance, which have become notable features of electric driving.
Additionally, 26% of drivers recognised the potential cost savings associated with electric cars, especially when compared to the rising prices of petrol and diesel vehicles.
The Price Problem: A Significant Hurdle
While range anxiety may be receding as a major concern, the cost of electric vehicles remains a significant barrier to widespread adoption.
According to the survey, 74% of Belgian EV drivers felt that electric cars are too expensive, underscoring the need for more affordable options or financial incentives to encourage more people to make the switch.
Currently, the higher upfront cost of EVs compared to traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles is deterring many potential buyers, despite the long-term savings on fuel and maintenance costs.
As EV technology continues to evolve and battery production becomes more efficient, prices are expected to fall. However, in the meantime, financial support is necessary to make electric cars more accessible to the average consumer.
Charging Infrastructure: Another Challenge
Apart from the cost, another notable concern among Belgian drivers was the availability of charging infrastructure. Around 29% of respondents felt that there were not enough public charging points to support the growing number of EVs on the road.
This issue was exacerbated for those unable to install a home charging station, as 29% of drivers said they regretted not having access to home charging facilities.
Belgium, like many other countries, is working to expand its charging infrastructure, but the pace of installation may not be keeping up with the increasing number of EVs.
For drivers without the option to charge at home, the availability of public charging points becomes crucial to ensuring the practicality of driving an electric vehicle.
EV Adoption on the Rise
Despite the challenges, the outlook for EV adoption in Belgium remains positive. The survey found that 83% of current EV drivers would choose an electric car again, demonstrating high levels of satisfaction among those who have already made the switch.
Furthermore, 55% of drivers who do not currently own an electric vehicle said they plan to buy one in the future, with many expecting prices to drop as the market matures.
Financial incentives are a key factor in persuading these drivers to consider an electric car. When asked what would motivate them to purchase an EV, 38% of respondents pointed to a sufficiently high purchase subsidy, while 30% mentioned exemptions from registration and road taxes as critical incentives.
“The cost aspect is therefore very important, and drivers are looking for incentives,” Touring noted in its press release.
These incentives could come in various forms, from government-backed subsidies to tax breaks, all aimed at lowering the financial burden on prospective EV buyers.
Conclusion
The 2023 EAFO survey of Belgian electric vehicle drivers offers a clear message: EV drivers are mostly satisfied with the range their vehicles provide, but the high cost of purchasing an electric car remains a significant obstacle to wider adoption.
While many appreciate the environmental benefits, performance, and comfort that EVs offer, the price is preventing some potential buyers from making the switch.
With increasing numbers of drivers showing interest in electric vehicles, there is a growing demand for government and industry incentives to make EVs more affordable.
By addressing the cost issue and expanding charging infrastructure, Belgium could accelerate its transition to a greener, more sustainable transportation system.
