Electric cars as family vehicles: range and purchase price remain obstacles

Image: Kia (illustrative)

Carwow surveyed customers in Germany who have children under 18 living at home. For 43.4 percent, maintenance and repair costs are the biggest concern when buying a car, followed by fuel and charging costs at 40 percent. Beyond financial aspects, 38.3 percent cite lack of space as a problem.

For the next vehicle, purchase price is the top priority for 26.8 percent. Safety and reliability follow at 21.7 percent, while space capacity accounts for 21.1 percent. Parents currently facing space constraints are twice as likely to prioritize interior space when choosing their next vehicle.

The need for space is particularly pronounced among parents of young children: over 42 percent cite space as the most important factor. Among parents of teenagers, this figure drops to 18.5 percent. As children grow older, safety, reliability, and ongoing costs regain importance.

78.6 percent of respondents would consider an electric car as their next vehicle. Depending on family size and children’s age, the approval rate ranges from 74.3 percent to 80.5 percent. Concerns about depreciation or battery wear play little role, as vehicle value loss is seen as a general issue with cars. The main arguments against buying an electric car are concerns about range and charging infrastructure (8 percent), as well as relatively high purchase costs (7.2 percent).

Regarding car seat regulations, 50.8 percent of parents say they are fully aware of the legal requirements; 26 percent no longer need a car seat for their children. Another 13.4 percent have already studied the rules, while 3.1 percent feel uncertain about weight limits and 1.3 percent about proper installation.

"Parents' needs and priorities naturally vary depending on the number and age of their children. However, it’s not surprising that financial considerations play a major role in car purchases when considering the rising costs of raising children," says Irene Wallner from Carwow. "Children also change how one views what a car must have. You need to think more practically, as extra space is required for strollers, car seats, and everyday items that suddenly become much more important than before having children."

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About the author

Thomas Langenbucher is an expert in electromobility with professional experience in the automotive and financial industries. Since 2011, he has been covering electric cars, sustainable technologies, and mobility solutions on ecomento.de. Learn more.

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