A new analysis from Swedish firm Vroom has found that a large number of drivers who bought used electric cars are returning to gasoline vehicles when they switch cars.
The study shows that 56% of Swedish drivers who purchased a used EV opted for another type of vehicle for their next purchase. Among these, 37% returned to gasoline or diesel cars, while 16% chose plug-in hybrids.
Drivers who purchase new electric cars, however, are far more committed to the electric market, with 85% staying loyal to electric for their next vehicle.
This represents a slight drop in loyalty compared to last year, where 87% of new EV buyers stuck with electric.
Ulf Roberts-Jones, CEO of Vroom, noted, “Loyalty to rechargeable cars remains high despite economic challenges and elevated EV prices. Among new car buyers, 9 out of 10 will choose a rechargeable car again."
The study attributes the lower loyalty among used EV buyers to price sensitivity, with many seeking affordable deals over vehicle type.
“Used EV buyers tend to be more price-driven and the current market offers more fossil-fuel vehicles than rechargeable options,” Vroom stated.
In Germany, the trend mirrors Sweden’s, with Boosted reporting that one in three drivers there switches back to combustion engines after trying an electric vehicle.
Nonetheless, Vroom expects loyalty for used electric cars to grow as the market expands with more affordable rechargeable options.
