The association of mechanical workshops in the regions of Gerona (CORVE) predicts that in the next two years, more than half of the cars in the region will be hybrid or electric.
The entity points out that it is still “very far” from what Europe is asking for, especially when it comes to electric vehicles. In this sense, the data shows that only 6% of Girona cars are, although Europe contemplated it being 20%.
Dealers link it to three factors: the reluctance to try a new product different from the one available until now, the fact that the aid is collected many months after purchasing the car and the fact that the price is still somewhat higher. than combustion.
“We are still very far from what Europe sets for us in terms of electric cars.” These are the words of Jordi Solà, president of the association of mechanical workshops in the Girona regions CORVE. He warns that today only six out of every 100 cars in the district are completely electric, although Brussels directives recommend reaching 20%. A figure that Solà sees as “complicated” to achieve in the short term and that is also shared by the Volkswagen team leader of the Volkswagen dealership in Girona, Pol Bonadona.
The problem, explains Bonadona, is the reluctance to change on the part of many users who continue to opt for the combustion vehicle mostly. What he is mainly concerned about is the fact of having to charge the car and the autonomy it has, especially when making long trips. Furthermore, it must be taken into account that there are still not enough charging points, according to many users of this type of vehicle.
The price of the electric one is still somewhat higher than the combustion ones, although in recent years it has been balancing and now the difference is not “as notable as before.” A difference that could be compensated with the aid granted to electric companies and that, in some cases, can reach 10,000 euros.
The problem, Bonadona points out, is that these aids are always collected one or two years in advance and after having delivered all the documentation “which is a lot.” In this sense, many interested in the electric car rule out buying it and take the opportunity to pay a higher price for another combustion vehicle.
The Volkswagen team leader in Girona explains that the satisfaction of customers who have purchased an electric vehicle is “total” and that when they have to renew their car they have no doubt in maintaining their commitment to electric vehicles.
“Don’t talk to them about going back to a combustion car, they’ll say no. They don’t want to know anything, because they’ve already gotten used to an electric car. It’s a bit of a change in the mentality of remembering to charge the car once you get home,” he says.
Although the electric car has not yet established itself among Girona drivers, the hybrid does have more traction. Specifically, about 35% of the district’s fleet is, which suggests that reaching the figure of 50% between electric and hybrid in two years is “real.” However, Bonadona recalls that non-plug-in hybrids can pollute “as much or more” as a state-of-the-art combustion car.
