You have to be able to afford the new cheap one
E-cars are – as a rule – not exactly a bargain. Nevertheless, quite a few manufacturers promise again and again to offer affordable models. It is so important that the mobility of the future is open to everyone. But a look at the prices of current entry-level models shows: “For everyone” is obviously a flexible term.
Tesla and VW are still trying, while Mercedes has long since declared that it no longer makes sense: Getting hold of e-cars for little money – buyers currently have poor chances. The people of Stuttgart have already pretty much turned away from the middle class, while VW and Co. don’t want to give up the cheap e-car.
But what does cheap still mean in times of inflation, expensive battery raw materials and imminent changes in the form of Euro 7? Not the same as it was a few years ago, as shown by current new releases from the automotive world.
EX30: Volvo SUV proves that other standards apply to cheap electric cars
So Volvo has announced a real price hit with its EX30. The Electric SUV is in the cheapest trim level for under 37,000 euros come on the market. For what customers can expect from the Sweden SUV, the price is a real announcement. Finally, customers can also deduct a few thousand sponsorships.
On the other hand, do we really want to say over 30,000 euros is a bargain? Who has the wherewithal to buy a car at such prices without thinking twice?
Especially since the comparison to the combustion engine remains interesting here: Volvo is by no means a brand that stands for affordable cars for everyone. But the Swedes are actually firmly anchored in the middle class and upper middle class.
For practical the same starting price interested car buyers will soon be able to get involved too Lexus SUV treat. With the LBX model, the premium brand from Toyota is also bringing its first compact SUV to Germany, which is aimed specifically at European tastes. The starting price for the full hybrid will be – still unofficially – 35,000 euros scheduled.
Lexus, like Volvo, offers a range of models, both of which cover different classes with their portfolios. But while the Swedes appeal to typical, albeit well-earning middle-class customers with values such as reliability, Lexus has a completely different self-image with its premium claim.
The two examples impressively show where the automotive market is headed: soon the question no longer seems to be whether you can or have to spend a lot of money on a car. Instead it applies decide what you want for all that money: a rather mid-range e-car, more environmentally friendly in the long run. Or should it rather be as fuel-efficient as possible combustion engine who could easily jump into a higher class for the same money?
Electric car or combustion engine? The price question is currently answered very clearly when buying:
In this comparison, I unfortunately see black for the rational decision e-car. In order to turn this trend around, you need the cost advantage of e-cars. But it might take a while before that happens. Ford boss Jim Farley, for example, does not expect that electric cars will be able to catch up with combustion engines in terms of purchase price before the end of the decade.
In the executive suite of Nissan one is even more skeptical. Former Germany boss Guillaume Pelletreau assumes that even the cheapest e-cars can probably never be squeezed at such low sales prices, as they are called on some budget burners.
Despite the expensive phase: used prices are finally turning down
A good sign with all the price increases for car buyers the second-hand market is now broadcasting again. After months of extreme price increases, the tide has recently turned. The scarce supply is recovering, and customers are still exercising restraint with purchases.
Mobility – something is happening: E-cars, electric bicycles, e-scooters, the Germany ticket for 49 euros on the bus and train – all of this moves us in two ways. And what else has happened in terms of mobility?
According to DAT expert Martin Endlein, the situation suggests that the prices fall even further become. The average prices have already fallen by 0.8 percent compared to the previous month. After an increase of over 20 percent, however, this is still not a real bargain.
So far, the same applies both to the used car market and to e-cars in general: customers have to dig deep into their pockets. And if you can make a snap, you have to get used to it: When it comes to cars, cheap often doesn’t mean the same as it did a few years ago.
