Growing number of motorists opting for electric vehicles

Motorists in Greece are abandoning gasoline and diesel-powered vehicles in growing numbers as a result of the elevated cost of running them and switching to hybrid and electric models, which now represent nearly one in two new cars purchased, according to July sales figures provided by car importers.

This growing preference of motorists for electric cars has established itself as a steady trend this year.

In July, 38.3 percent of new car purchases were gasoline-powered models, down from 47.8 percent a year earlier, while new diesel-powered vehicle purchases last month fell to 13.7 percent from 18.3 percent in July last year, sector data showed.

On the contrary, purchases of new hybrid models rose to 34.5 percent in July from 24.3 percent a year earlier, while purchases of new electric cars rose to 10.1 percent from 5.4 percent.

A latest upward trajectory in gasoline and diesel prices has been a key factor behind the rising popularity of electric cars in Greece, along with subsidy support offered for electromobility choices by motorists and a growing charging station network for electric cars.

 

NRG striving for leading role in country’s electric car market

Retail energy firm NRG, a member of the Motor Oil group, is aiming for a leading role in Greece’s electromobility market and has set ambitious objectives, including comprehensive in-charge solutions for businesses and households and an increase of the company’s recharging stations around the country from 500 at present to 1,000 by the end of the year.

New recharging station installations, through business-to-business deals, are being planned by NRG for key points, including at hotel facilities, corporate buildings, supermarket chains and shopping centers, followed by households.

NRG has already established agreements with two supermarket chains, My Market and Masoutis. The agreement with My Market involves the installation of 500 recharging stations at 250 points by the end of 2023, while the Masoutis deal entails the installation of 300 recharging stations at 150 points.

NRG has also reached hotel-sector deals with Costa Navarino and the Greco Hotel group, and, to date, has installed recharging stations at over 80 hotel points.

Covering 70 to 80 kilometers with an electric car costs approximately 6.50 euros, well below the fuel cost tallied by a conventional car model, estimated at 16 euros.

At present, approximately 13,000 plug-in hybrid cars are being used in Greece. Some 4,000 electric cars are in use.