In recent years, a noticeable shift has emerged among younger consumers regarding electric cars. While sales figures for new EVs continue to climb, studies show that enthusiasm, particularly among younger age groups, is beginning to cool. The main factors behind this decline are the high purchase price of electric models and the practical challenges linked to charging infrastructure. Many prospective buyers who initially consider an EV are ultimately turning back to gasoline vehicles, finding them more affordable and better aligned with their needs.

The trend is most visible among Generation Z, where the share of potential electric car buyers is the lowest compared to older demographics. Millennials, or Generation Y, are also displaying less interest in zero-emission vehicles than before. For both groups, cost remains the decisive factor. Electric cars not only come with higher upfront prices than gasoline cars, but they also tend to lose value faster on the resale market. In contrast, internal combustion models are not only cheaper initially but hold their price more reliably over time, making them more attractive to young consumers who are highly price-sensitive.

Another issue shaping attitudes is charging convenience. Experts stress that having a personal charging station at home is essential for the effective and stress-free use of an electric car. Without this option, daily reliance on public charging points becomes impractical, especially given the significantly longer time it takes to recharge compared to refueling with gasoline. This reality weighs heavily on younger consumers who value flexibility and convenience in their mobility choices.

The buying habits of Generation Z also play a role in these market dynamics. This generation is accustomed to comparing products digitally, using online platforms and increasingly artificial intelligence tools to analyze pricing, financing, and insurance options before making a decision. Their approach emphasizes cost-benefit calculations and product features above all else, with after-sales services and maintenance ranking much lower in importance. Given this behavior, electric cars currently fall short of expectations on both price and practicality.

Automakers’ strategies appear misaligned with these consumer preferences. Most major manufacturers have yet to tailor offers that meet the budget constraints and expectations of younger buyers. In contrast, Chinese car brands are taking the lead in this segment. Their vehicles often come with more competitive prices and higher levels of equipment compared to European rivals. As a result, they are perceived as offering better overall value for money. Analysts suggest that these policies position Chinese companies more favorably to capture the attention and spending power of Generation Z, especially as this group becomes a more significant force in the automotive market.

Taken together, the data points to a growing disconnect: electric car sales are rising, but the next generation of consumers—the very group expected to embrace them most enthusiastically—is increasingly hesitant. Price, depreciation, charging limitations, and lack of attractive offers remain decisive barriers. Unless manufacturers find ways to address these concerns directly, the gap between EV adoption goals and consumer preferences among young buyers may continue to widen.