Market researcher Niklas Haupt talks about e-mobility

How do you see the present and future of e-mobility and what role do subsidy programs play?

There have already been many good discussions about e-mobility in terms of sustainability and the technology of the future. We are on the right track. However, when I look at the current registration figures and the market for e-vehicles in Germany, demand fell significantly in August compared to the previous year. In my view, this is mainly due to the expiring subsidy programs. When it comes to sales figures, this is of course an important issue. As a market researcher, I believe that zero-emission technology is more sustainable than many alternatives. I am convinced that e-mobility will prevail in the passenger car market.

How do you see the development and prospects for companies when it comes to e-mobility?

Many companies are already taking this approach. But it's a question of cost. To be honest, I'm not at all sure whether I would call for new subsidies politically. This was certainly the right thing to do in the beginning. We are now seeing the results in the used car market. If I provide subsidies at the beginning, then I will find it correspondingly more difficult in a second step, especially at the beginning of a technology. In my view, subsidies as an incentive are more the task of manufacturers and banks. This is similar for fleet vehicles as it is for private cars. Companies can be convinced, supported and promoted in a targeted manner with attractive promotion periods. Irrespective of this, companies will have to increasingly focus on e-mobility in the future anyway in order to avoid the CO2 penalty. 

Where do you see the biggest challenges and opportunities for companies?

These are primarily the investment costs for new vehicles. If companies opt for e-vehicles, this opens up great opportunities for them. Presenting themselves to the outside world as a credible and ecologically relevant partner are important aspects. Costs can also be saved in the long term. I think that large fleets will also gradually equip their fleets with electric vehicles. It is important to consider the length of the routes to be covered - for example, for vans. It is important to make stops for recharging very efficient. Overall, the topic of company car services is becoming increasingly important.

How have the ranges and charging times of electric vehicles developed?

The ranges of almost all vehicles that are now coming onto the market are already significantly higher than those of older models. In my view, range will no longer be the central issue when it comes to purchasing decisions in the future, but price and performance, which will continue to develop positively in the medium term. I've been driving a Skoda Enyaq since August 2023. In addition to range and charging speed, infrastructure remains a key issue for me. There will certainly be investments by the major energy companies in the short term, which will set up many new charging points. And when it will soon be possible to charge not just with 45 or 50 kilowatts, but perhaps with 150 kilowatts, a second or third charging stop will no longer cause any major problems. I think that will be the new standard of the future. For longer distances and not just for urban and peri-urban traffic, but also for medium and longer distances, this will also have an increasingly positive effect on the company car sector.

So patience is required above all?

Yes, a lot has already happened in the past three to five years in terms of range and infrastructure. Solar energy plays an important role and petrol prices will not remain at their current level in the medium term. 

How does the situation here compare with other countries in Europe?

Norway and Sweden are already much further ahead in terms of e-mobility. According to the registration figures, a good 95 percent of vehicles there are electric, which is of course an exceptional situation in comparison. But it shows how things can develop here too.