With costs still high — regardless of whether or not your local government subsidizes the purchase - the first question you should ask before taking the plunge on an e-car is, does it suit me?
"In general, it can be an alternative for those who always tend to drive the same distance," says Soeren Heinze of the Auto Club Europe (ACE).
However, not all commuters will find the transition to electric easy, with e-motorists needed to find reliable charging points at one — of both — of the pendulum points on their journey.
This can be either at home or at work, but especially when living and working in the city, this can still be highly problematic for many of us.
The hybrid solution
A possible remedy for some would be a plug-in hybrid, which can be charged with a plug but still has combustion engine. These kinds of cars can travel only a relatively small distance of about 50 kilometres, before its combustor kicks in.
This makes them suitable for people who want to travel longer distances or drive in regions where they are unsure of where the closest charging points will be, says Heinze.
"They have more safety then, because they have a second engine and an additional tank on board." The means that any so-called range anxiety - the worry about running out of power before the next charge point - falls away.
Environmental aspects and performance
With at least two propulsion systems on board, such plug-in hybrids are usually heavier, so this is a technique often saved for SUVs or luxury cars. "They also use the electric power to support the burners," says Heinze.
So does that mean diesels and petrol engines can still be more efficient for fuel-efficient, long-distance drivers?
"Maybe financially yes, technically not," says Heinze. "We are currently in a transitional phase," admits Heinze, "where a business traveller who travels a lot, and does not have to drive into big cities where there may be restrictions, is probably still thinking about a diesel."
However, the more widespread the charging points get, the more attractive electric mobility and vehicles will become, says Heinze. "Therefore, we demand that more and simpler charging stations can be installed."
And of course, the energy would have to come from renewable sources and the batteries should be produced "sustainably and decently", adds Heinze.
