Deloitte: income gap drives slow Belgian BEV uptake

Deloitte has released its latest Global Automotive Consumer Study, surveying over 28,000 private consumers worldwide including 1,004 Belgian respondents. The study found that battery electric vehicle (BEV) preference in Belgium remains stagnant at 12%, with an income gap emerging as a key factor in powertrain preferences.

Across all demographics, 45% of Belgian consumers prefer a petrol or diesel vehicle for their next purchase, compared to 31% for hybrids and 12% for BEVs. Some 59% of lower-income households expressed a preference for internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, with just 6% considering a BEV, while one fifth of high-income consumers are considering electric. The price premium on EVs remains the biggest concern for price-conscious consumers, while lower fuel costs are the biggest motivator to purchase.

In a statement, Aled Walker, Automotive Leader at Deloitte Belgium, said: “While BEV adoption remained stagnant, consumers report that the potential cost savings on fuel would be the biggest driver to purchase a BEV while the price premium remains the biggest hurdle to purchasing.”

The study also found strong interest in the second-hand market among Belgian consumers, with 37% preferring used vehicles. However, BEVs have not yet entered the used car market in large volumes, and uncertainty around battery health makes used electric vehicles a perceived risk for households with limited financial buffer.

Belgian consumers appeared the least interested in software-defined vehicle capabilities among European markets surveyed, with 40% reporting such features as not useful.

Source: Deloitte