Aren’t electric cars meant for traveling? A study debunks the myth and shows that most drivers already do.

06/09/2026 08:30

Updated to

06/09/2026 08:30

The debate regarding the viability of battery-powered vehicles for long-distance travel remains active in the automotive industry. However, data on actual user usage shows an increasing adoption of this propulsion technology for road trips beyond urban areas.

A representative study conducted in July, which surveyed 1,270 vehicle owners (including 248 owners of electric models), found that 79% of those with battery-powered cars had taken at least one trip using them. Moreover, a striking 94% considered taking vacations in their electric cars, while 65% planned to travel internationally across borders.

The Trust Gap Between Users and Non-Users

Perceptions of road travel capabilities vary dramatically depending on whether one drives an electric car daily or not. Among the 1,022 respondents who do not own such a vehicle, only 51% would consider using it for vacation trips, a figure that is lower than the 57% recorded in the 2024 edition of the same report.

Despite this general reluctance among traditional drivers, 16% of those who do not own a battery-powered vehicle admit to having taken a vacation trip in an electric car, experiencing firsthand the driving dynamics of this type of propulsion system.

The Generational Factor in Vehicle Adoption

The willingness to undertake long trips in electric vehicles shows significant differences across age groups. 73% of those under 30 imagine traveling during their downtime in an electric car, drawn to the driving experience and lower CO2 emissions.

In contrast, among those over 60 years old, the proportion of respondents willing to travel on vacation in an electric car is 43%, indicating greater caution regarding the shift to alternative powertrains. Older drivers still show significant reluctance to undertake vacation trips without relying on gas stations.

Travel distances and the evolution of road mileage

Regarding performance over medium and long distances, data shows an increase in the mileage covered by electric drivers. In 2024, 30% of owners had completed continuous trips of between 500 and 1,000 kilometers in electric mode, a figure that has now risen to 39%. On the other hand, very long-distance trips exceeding 1,000 kilometers are currently covered by 16% of electric vehicle users, slightly lower than the 17% recorded two years ago. Progress in fast charging infrastructure as well as advancements in the vehicles themselves are enabling this change.

Source: Auto Bild