Berlin: Germans are increasingly interested in buying electric cars following the surge in oil prices. A recent survey by mobile.de, Germany's largest online car marketplace, indicates that many German consumers are increasingly considering electric vehicles (EVs) in response to rising fuel prices. The ongoing tensions in the Middle East have become a major factor driving up global crude oil and natural gas prices, directly impacting vehicle fuel costs in many European countries.
According to Thai News Agency, fuel price data compiled by the German Automotive Industry Association shows that since the US and Israel launched their military attacks on Iran on February 28, gasoline prices in Germany have risen by nearly 20 percent, while diesel prices have jumped by more than 30 percent. A survey by Mobile.de indicates that if oil prices remain high, 43% of respondents would switch to electric vehicles, with 36% citing long-term cost savings as the most significant factor in their decision. Furthermore, the platform's data shows a 66% surge in inquiries about used EVs during the first half of March.
Ajay Bhatia, CEO of Mobile.de, commented that interest in electric vehicles on the platform has increased significantly, stating that the current geopolitical situation has become a key catalyst, accelerating the transition to electric vehicles even faster than Germany's past energy transition policies. Besides higher oil prices, government subsidies were another significant factor driving consumer decisions. The German government announced the reinstatement of subsidies in January, planning to invest pound 3 billion (approximately 118.5 billion baht) over the next few years to support the purchase of around 800,000 electric vehicles.
Although factors such as oil prices and government policies have clearly driven increased interest in electric vehicles, experts are still monitoring whether this shift will become a sustainable long-term market trend. Mr. Bhatia concluded that while it is difficult to predict how long this situation will last, it is clear that the current crisis has accelerated the transition to electric vehicles.