German drivers prefer plug-ins to conventional hybrids, survey suggests

German drivers prefer plug-in hybrids to conventional hybrid options, according to a survey commissioned by GKN Driveline.

Respondents said that plug-in hybrids were more practical than their non-plug-in counterparts, with 75 per cent saying they prefer the idea of plug-ins, while 61.2 per cent agreed that an all electric range of 50km would be enough to meet their daily needs.

96 per cent of the 1,000 German motorists surveyed said that they are environmentally conscious to some degree when choosing a car, but 81 per cent also said that they were wary of hybrids in general.

The biggest concern was ‘poor value for money’, with 62.8 per cent citing this as their main reason for being wary of hybrid vehicles. When asked what would persuade them to consider a plug in hybrid, 52 per cent said a greater availability of charge points, while 45 per cent said tax incentives and 33 per cent said performance improvements.

Peter Moelgg, GKN Automotive president of engineering, said: “Drivers are environmentally conscious and like technology to offer clear benefits. The challenge is introducing eco-friendly technologies that add real value for them. We believe that plug-in hybrids with all-wheel drive make sense – and the public’s positive response to vehicle programmes that offer this combination – like the Volvo XC90 T8 Twin Engine, BMW i8 and Porsche 918 Spyder – can only continue to grow.”

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