Beat, an increasing number of consumers are choosing to purchase an electric vehicle when they buy a new car. You drive one yourself. What’s so special about these vehicles?
I see it all the time when a customer comes to our dealership to go for a test drive. Anyone who test drives an electric vehicle is enthusiastic when they get out – if they even want to get out. That’s what happened to me, too. Driving an electric vehicle is an experience.
What has the feedback been from customers who have already driven an electric vehicle?
I’ve seen only positive reactions. There’s a lot of enthusiasm. I have yet to receive any negative feedback.
AMAG Cham sells several Volkswagen Group brands. How many new cars are now electric vehicles?
It varies by brand, of course, because they don’t all have the same number of electric vehicles. But I would say that 15 to 20 per cent of all new cars are now fully electric – a trend that is increasing. This is a good amount.
How has this development affected business?
Customer interest in electric mobility has risen sharply. We’ve seen this trend grow ever since the range of electric vehicles improved and more models have become available from different manufacturers.
How familiar are customers with electric mobility?
Customers are generally well informed. However, they still need advice and information, as they ask more and different questions than they would if they were buying a car with a combustion engine. But this is normal since electric mobility is new territory for most and they are unfamiliar with it.
And what do most of the questions concern?
Of course, the discussion still revolves around range. People want to know this information. Much more important, in my view, is how quickly the battery can be recharged. It is precisely in this area that the auto industry has made significant progress. With modern electric vehicles, the battery can be recharged to 80 per cent of its maximum capacity within 20 to 30 minutes. The charging station and installation can be ordered when the car is purchased and, if desired, can be included in the lease agreement.
To whom would you absolutely recommend an electric vehicle?
Anyone who has or can install a charging station can switch immediately with no problem. The same applies for anyone who can use a charging station at work. If both options are available, then the conditions are ideal. But there is an increasing number of public charging stations for those who are on the road or for drivers of electric vehicles who cannot charge their vehicle at home or at work.
Is there a typical electric vehicle customer?
No, you can’t say there’s a typical electric vehicle customer. On the whole, people have become much more open to electric mobility. It’s not only tech aficionados who are interested and captivated by this new form of mobility. Customers now come from all walks of life. Companies are increasingly interested in our electric vehicles as well in order to adapt their fleet company cars and reduce their CO2 emissions.
What impact has the rise of electric vehicles had on your garage business?
The mechanics who already worked in our garage had to train to be high-voltage technicians. Future apprentices will already be familiar with this technology because battery technology and electric engines will be part of their training. The sales team has received special training for electric vehicles. And we have expanded the infrastructure throughout the premises and installed additional charging stations. We’ll certainly need even more in the future.
