Hungarian Drivers Remain Cautious About Electric Cars

Although the European Union will only allow cars running on carbon-free fuel to be sold from 2035, a significant proportion of Hungarian drivers remain distrustful of electric vehicles, Index reported. Based on a recent online survey of more than 1,500 people, most do not use electric cars, do not plan to buy one, and generally doubt the reliability of the technology.

Based on the survey, Hungarians’ resistance is not ideological, but stems from practical fears. The biggest concerns are range (76.8%), battery life (65.3%), poor service networks, and difficulties with home maintenance. Half of the respondents believe that electric cars are more complicated to repair, and 65% believe that they are more dangerous than conventional vehicles.

The majority of those participating in the survey would be willing to spend up to HUF 10 million (around EUR 25,000) on an electric car, while only 11.7% would pay for a mid-range (EUR 25,000–37,500) e-car. Even new government subsidies would not bring about a breakthrough: more than half of respondents would remain skeptical in this case as well.

The list of the most trusted brands is led by Toyota (23.8%) and China’s BYD (18%), ahead of Tesla (15.1%). This also shows that buyers tend to trust brands that are affordable and have a stable background.

Only 18% of respondents consider environmental considerations important when purchasing an electric car. Most (39.4%) consider such vehicles to be only moderately environmentally friendly, while 16% do not believe in the green benefits of the technology at all. In addition, many are concerned about the environmental impact of electricity generation.

Electric car. Photo: Pexels

However, there is reason for hope: the majority (59.7%) expect electric car parts to be recyclable. This is particularly important among younger age groups, which could lead to a positive shift in attitudes toward sustainability in the long term.

According to experts, electric cars will certainly remain important players in the future of transportation, but they will not be the only ones. In addition to internal combustion engines, other alternatives, such as hydrogen-based technologies, may also gain ground.

The opinion and trust of consumers is key: the spread of electric cars can only accelerate if the most important practical concerns are addressed, whether they relate to the charging network, repairability, or long-term costs.

Electromobility has not yet won the trust of the majority of Hungarian motorists. Technological progress alone is not enough to achieve a breakthrough—a comprehensive change in attitude, better infrastructure, more transparent costs, and reliable information are also needed.

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