Car market shifts: Eight in ten buyers choose hybrid or electric

Soaring fuel prices, exacerbated by Middle East tensions, are significantly altering consumer choices in Greece's new car market. Buyers are increasingly opting for new energy models, with hybrid and electric vehicles now dominating preferences due to their fuel efficiency. In July, nearly eight out of ten buyers in Greece selected a hybrid or electric model, with hybrids accounting for 64% of these sales, plug-in hybrids 7.7%, and fully electric vehicles 7.5%. This trend reflects a broader European shift, with electric vehicle sales across the EU surging by 40.5% in the first half of the year to over 1.2 million units, representing 20.7% of the total market.

The cost of running these vehicles is a major draw. A typical gasoline car covering 100 kilometers at 1.96 euros per liter and consuming 7 liters per 100km costs 13.7 euros. A comparable diesel model, with a 5-liter/100km consumption, costs 9.8 euros for the same distance. While the article cuts off before detailing electric costs, the implication is a significant saving.

This shift is further supported by ongoing subsidies and attractive offers in the Greek market, encouraging consumers to move away from internal combustion engines. The trend isn't temporary; consumers are steadily, albeit slowly, embracing electric and hybrid options. The surge in electric vehicle sales across Europe began in earnest after the conflict in Iran in February, which triggered a sharp rise in fuel prices. In Greece, gasoline car sales have shrunk to a mere 17.5%, with diesel models capturing only 1%.