Cost Concerns Stall EV Adoption in Europe, Shell Survey Finds

Drivers across Europe are increasingly hesitant to switch from gasoline to electric vehicles (EVs), according to a global survey by Shell. The 2024 report, based on responses from 15,000 drivers in countries including the U.K., Germany, China, and the U.S., highlights cost as the leading barrier to EV adoption—particularly in Europe.

David Bunch, Shell’s head of mobility and convenience, noted that cost is now a more significant deterrent than "range anxiety," which is gradually declining. On average, EVs remain up to 30% more expensive than traditional combustion engine cars, making them less attractive amid inflationary pressures and economic uncertainty.

In Europe, only 41% of drivers surveyed said they would consider switching to an EV this year, down from 48% in 2023. In the U.S., interest also dipped slightly, falling three points to 31%. Meanwhile, China continues to lead EV enthusiasm and infrastructure satisfaction.

Shell's survey also found public charging infrastructure to be a major concern for European drivers. Just 17% said public charging offers good value for money, compared to 71% in the U.S. and 69% in China. Additionally, only half of European respondents felt that public charging had improved over the past year, far behind China’s 74% and the U.S.’s 80%.

Shell, which operates 75,000 EV charging points globally, is focusing its strategy on fast, on-the-go chargers in key markets like China, the U.S., Britain, Germany, Switzerland, Singapore, and the Netherlands.

As EV demand stalls in parts of the West, affordability and improved charging access remain critical to accelerating the transition to electric mobility.