Electric cars are the future, but only under one condition – that they become affordable and practical. So why are car manufacturers still creating "half-baked" solutions that frustrate users? And why are they talking about "another" car, thereby killing e-mobility? Why do users want a real electric car!
Why do consumers want a true electric car, while European car manufacturers persistently promote the idea of the electric car as a “second” car for the household – smaller, limited and incomplete. But such an approach overlooks a fundamental need of modern consumers: an electric car must be versatile and uncompromising. After all, a car is not just a means of transportation. It is a symbol of freedom – the freedom to set off on a journey, be it short or long, without any worries.
If freedom is limited, users will feel restricted and will not be satisfied with the product.
Key features of a true electric car
If we want an electric car that is truly useful, it must meet certain technical requirements. Without them, it is difficult to talk about practical value. Here is a basic list:
- Battery capacity: At least 60 kWh (useful, net). This provides a range of around 400 km, which is the minimum for comfortable driving without constantly searching for charging stations. With such a battery, you can travel 300 km on the highway.
- Fast charging: Minimum charging power of 150 kW, so that the car can gain enough energy for a 300 km drive in 20-30 minutes. There should be no offers on the market with slower charging. This must become the standard in 2025, even for so-called city cars.
- Energy consumption: Up to 20 kWh per 100 km at highway speed (120 km/h), ensuring energy efficiency and reducing charging costs. Cars must focus on aerodynamics and weight reduction, which European manufacturers are not yet doing.
Cars that don't meet these criteria can look promising on paper but disappoint in real life. For example, the Renault 5 in its base version, which doesn't offer fast DC charging, is a good example of how manufacturers underestimate users. An electric car that takes hours to charge is simply not practical. Also unacceptable is the reduced charging power, such as 6 kW instead of 11 kW for city cars. But we would like more cars with the ability to charge at 22 kW, as the Zoe and BMW i3 offer.
Why don't manufacturers understand users?
European manufacturers often claim that price is the biggest obstacle to developing better electric vehicles. But this excuse is outdated. The Tesla Model 3, even in its basic version (Standard Range), is proof that it is possible to offer a quality electric car at a reasonable price. The price of the entry-level Tesla model is 39,900 euros (about 43,000 USD), which is a relatively high amount, but at the same time a benchmark that the European industry must achieve.
For this money, European manufacturers should offer comparable products or cheaper ones that would have additional attributes such as the Tesla Supercharger network and an FSD computer in every car.
The solution: Cars comparable to Tesla need to be 10,000 euros cheaper if they want to compete. Why? Tesla offers:
- Access to the Supercharger network, which allows for fast and reliable charging.
- An advanced software system that does not require additional payment for basic functions.
- Efficiency that leaves the competition far behind.
European manufacturers should create vehicles with the same specifications, but without add-ons such as charging networks or advanced autonomous driving (FSD) features, and offer them for around €30,900. This is a realistic price that would enable mass accessibility of quality electric cars.
Where do manufacturers particularly disappoint?
- Charging too slowly: Many cars on the market still do not reach the charging power of 150 kW. Examples: Renault 5, Citroën e-C3 and others. Even the Volkswagen ID.3 remains at the limits in the basic models, which are simply no longer competitive.
- Battery too low: Many models, such as the Renault 5 and Opel e-Corsa, offer batteries with capacities below 50 kWh, which means a combined range of around 300 km. This is only acceptable for city driving, not for a car that is intended to be useful on longer journeys.
- Promises without coverage: Many models advertise ranges that are far from the real numbers in everyday conditions. For example, the Peugeot e-208 advertises a range of over 400 km, but at highway speeds it actually reaches around 250 km.
Is the solution close?
The future is not hopeless. Chinese manufacturers such as NIO, Xpeng and Zeekr are offering interesting products that could force European competitors to improve their strategies. New Volkswagen models are also on the horizon, promising better performance and affordability. But the key question remains: will these cars be accessible to a wide range of consumers?
The family niche is key!
Currently, an active family of four has no way to enter e-mobility for less than 50,000 euros. The first practical car is the KGM Torres (35,000 euros), followed by the Tesla Y (45,000 euros) and the ID.7 wagon - the latter is probably the best European electric car, but missed due to its pricing policy.
In my opinion, BMW should offer the 5 Series in an electric version for the price of the 520d engine. Mercedes-Benz also did not achieve price comparability with the E-Series with the EQE model. It is the luxury brands that could be the ones to bring the prices down more.
Conclusion: Time for change
If European manufacturers want to remain competitive, they will have to listen to their customers and stop creating “half-baked” solutions. The market clearly demands electric cars that are not just a second car, but the main family car – and that without compromise.
We are at a turning point. Will European manufacturers finally understand what consumers really want? Or will Tesla continue to reign as the only true choice for those looking for a quality electric car?
