COVID turns focus on EVs

Battery electric cars and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles could be an unexpected beneficiary of COVID-19, with some brands reporting increased consumer interest in clean motoring.

Concerns over using public transport, handling petrol bowsers and a desire to help the environment appear to be spurring the uptick in EV interest.

Speaking to EVcentral, Nissan Australia boss Stephen Lester confirmed there had been more buyers expressing an interest in the Nissan Leaf, one of the more affordable EVs on sale in Australia, priced from $49,990.

“We’re seeing demand for some of our more fuel conscious vehicles,” said Lester.

“Individual mobility is becoming even more on the radar of people. As a consequence … there are a group or a strong cohort of people who are looking for an alternative power source … now is as good a time as any.”

His comments cross over with those of Daimler chief Ola Kallenius, who last month said individual mobility was becoming more valued globally.

In a press conference streamed online he highlighted that cars provide “your own protected, safe zone” that “gives you freedom.”

The sentiment is oozing throughout the automotive industry, and some are expecting EVs to benefit more than traditional cars.

While revealing the new C4 hatchback this week – which includes an all-electric model called the ë-C4 – Citroen CEO Vincent Cobée said he expected a significant boost in demand for EVs and PHEVs.

“The last four months have seen a transformation of society and one of the ways out is the transformation of regulations, with a push towards low-carbon vehicles,” he was reported as saying by Autocar.

“So, we are expecting that the unexpected could happen and I wouldn’t be surprised if the market share of EVs moves towards 20 percent very, very rapidly, especially with a [small] car like the C4.”

“There is demand to enter the world of clean mobility. It’s not a tree-hugger statement. It’s that I never have to go to a petrol station any more and can charge my car at home.”

The Citroen ë-C4 is powered by a 50kWh battery feeding a 100kW/260Nm electric motor. The WLTP range is claimed at 350km.