Survey: Up to 41% of Czech drivers could easily switch to an electric car

Electric vehicles account for up to 20.7% of all new car registrations across the European Union, while in Czechia the figure stands at just around 6.5%. Yet, according to a joint survey by E.ON and Volkswagen among Czech drivers, as many as 41% of them could switch to an electric car with virtually no change to their daily habits — the main obstacle isn't the technology itself, but a lack of first-hand experience and unfounded concerns.

The survey found that only 14% of respondents have actually driven an electric car. At the same time, 73% said they would like to try one, while just 6% remain firmly opposed.

Czechs are gradually shedding their prejudices

"In the surveys on electromobility that we've been running for years now, a clear trend has emerged. Czechs remain one of the more cautious nations in Europe and the world when it comes to EVs, but the number of outright opponents has been noticeably shrinking recently," said Helena Švejdová, Managing Director of E.ON Drive Infrastructure.

Six types of drivers

Based on driving patterns, the survey's authors divided respondents into six groups. Nearly 29% were classified as "regional commuters" — those who mostly travel within their own region. Another 12% were "urban drivers," who use their cars mainly for short trips around the city and its surroundings.

According to the survey, these two groups — together making up 40.9% of all drivers — could switch to electric cars with only minimal changes to their routines.

A further 45.2% of drivers could use electric cars without major limitations, provided they have access to regular charging at home, at work, or somewhere else convenient. Meanwhile, fewer than 1% of drivers regularly take long trips on motorways that would require a more careful approach to route planning.

Around Prague, based on reporting by novinky.cz