Survey reveals consumer preference for hybrid cars over pure EVs

Although global automakers are ramping up efforts to increase sales of pure electric vehicles (EVs), hybrid models remain the preferred choice among consumers in the world's major automotive markets, according to the 2023 Global Automobile Consumer Survey released by Deloitte Group in South Korea on Friday.

The survey, conducted from September to October 2022, included responses from over 26,000 consumers in 24 countries and found that the average preference for hybrid technology was 2.6 times higher than for battery EVs.

Japan topped the list of countries with the highest preference for hybrid models, with 48%, followed by Korea with 40% and India with 32%. The US showed a preference for hybrid vehicles at 28%, while Germany and China both recorded 26%.

Electric vehicles recorded the highest preference in China with 27%, followed by Korea with 17%, and Germany with 16%.

The survey also revealed that charging time, mileage, and cost are among the top concerns for consumers when considering purchasing an electric vehicle. Over 66% of respondents preferred to charge their EVs to 80% within 40 minutes.

"To expand the adoption of electric vehicles, it is crucial to secure consumer confidence in the safety and reliability of EVs and to establish a sufficient charging infrastructure," said Kim Tae-hwan, leader of the Deloitte Group in Korea.

Write to Il-Gue Kim at black0419@hankyung.com