In its recent Mobility Study, the German tyre manufactuer found awareness was high in the country, with 99% of those studying aware of the technology, while over half reported an average daily mileage of under 62 miles, allowing them to switch from fossil fuels for most of their needs. Continental added that range extenders would allow 97% of the population to make the switch.

As well as being well informed, Germans are receptive to the new technology – 30% said they’d prefer to drive an electric vehicle, and more than two thirds said they would be willing to pay extra for a more environmentally friendly product. Most also said they’d be prepared to sacrifice performance, while over half said they would be prepared to downsize to run an electric car.

However, 43% said electric vehicles were too expensive, and while half of all respondents have a fixed parking spot with an electrical socket, 80% added that they would like to see the public charging infrastructure extended.

Dr. Elmar Degenhart, CEO of Continental AG, commented: ‘Car buyers’ are very sensitive to price. There is currently a difference of around €10,000 between the cost of an electric car and the cost of a vehicle with a traditional combustion engine. We thus regard the short-term market opportunities as somewhat difficult: For that very reason it is important for both suppliers and manufacturers to grasp every opportunity to reduce costs for vehicles with electric drives in a way that does not depend on the volume of cars sold.’