The OCU emphasizes that at the moment an electric car “for everything” is not affordable for most pockets.

In Spain, only 5.5% of vehicles in circulation are electric, which is significantly lower than the European average, which is approx. fifteen%. This is evidenced by the latest Electromobility Barometer 2023, prepared by the Spanish Association of Automobile and Truck Manufacturers (ANFAC). These statistics position Spain as one of the most lagging countries regarding the market penetration of electric vehicles.

An analysis published by the OCU (Organization of Consumers and Users) gives the same result. The growing trend of recent years has stalled in recent months, despite increased supply and economic and environmental benefits of this technology. The OCU analyzes the reasons that caused this situation and highlights three electric cars that stand out from the rest.

There are two problems in the OCU report; are there any surprises?

Electric vehicles face two main challenges. Firstly, it is necessary to have a place for daily recharging at an affordable price, whether at home or at work. Without this infrastructure, the use of electric vehicles becomes impractical.

The second ones are high purchase prices, which, although decreasing, are still high. The OCU study included vehicles with a price below €54,450, i.e. all those that can receive subsidies under the Moves III plan. This government aid offers assistance of up to €7,000 (if the old car is scrapped). Despite this help, only three of the models analyzed have a price of less than €30,000 before discount.

On the other side, autonomy This is a decisive aspect for users when choosing an electric vehicle. OCU analysis shows that smaller cars have ranges that vary significantly, from 180 km Honda-e Advance before 375 km MG ZS EV. Compact cars and sedans typically have a range of more than 300 km, reaching up to 536 km within the Polestar 2 Long Rangewhich is enough for long trips.

Three recommendations of the OCU

The study assessed safety, stability, road holding and braking performance, among other categories, among others. different car modelshighlighting these three among others:

• SMART #1 Pro+: With a price of 43,400 euros and a cost of 0.39 euros/km, this model stands out for its battery capacity: 66 kWh.
• VOLVO EX30: it costs 42,035 euros, the cost is 0.37 euros/km, the battery capacity is 64 kWh.
• OPEL Corsa-e: at a more affordable price of 29,900 euros, with a cost of 0.30 euros/km and a battery capacity of 54 kWh.

Two obvious conclusions

OCU highlights the realities of the current market: sustainability shouldn’t be a luxury accessible only to a few. With the family economy under pressure, many families cannot afford an electric car due to its high cost, much less two cars. electric, for the city and another fire for long trips. The high prices of current electric vehicles turn the green option into a privilege reserved for the richest countries, denying large parts of the population the opportunity to contribute to greener mobility.

It also emphasizes that to promote sustainable mobility, it is essential improve charging infrastructure in Spain. It identifies the need for more public chargers, both slow and accessible on public roads for the 9 million non-garage vehicles, and fast on the road, with cash, card and one app payment options.

Moreover, this is considered decisive increase assistance for purchasing electric vehicles and make it easier to apply these rebates directly to the purchase., without having to wait months to receive them. Sustainable development should not be the exclusive privilege of a select few.