This article was automatically translated from the original Turkish version.
Electric vehicles (EVs) are shaping the future of the automotive industry. However, Deloitte’s 2025 Global Automotive Consumer Survey reveals that the pace of this transformation in Türkiye is slowing due to both economic and structural factors. Although Turkish consumers show interest in electric vehicles, inadequate charging infrastructure, cost concerns, and hidden expenses prevent this interest from translating into purchasing behavior.
According to the survey, 54% of Turkish consumers plan to choose an internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle for their next car purchase. Interest in battery electric vehicles (BEVs) has remained stagnant. Interestingly, while interest in plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) is rising, interest in fully electric vehicles remains limited.
Why?
The biggest barrier to adopting electric vehicles is concerns about charging infrastructure.
The most frequently cited issues by consumers are:
All these factors have shifted the consumer’s primary question from “Can I charge it?” to “Can I actually charge it?”
Additionally, two-thirds of consumers require a minimum 400 km range before considering a BEV. For this group, who are willing to wait up to 40 minutes to reach 80% charge at public stations, range is not merely a technical specification but a sense of security that shapes daily life.
Consumers are not only concerned about charging but also about economic sustainability. Their main concerns include:
A striking data point: 91% of Turkish consumers prefer vehicle price ranges below 4 million TL. Those considering electric vehicles show slightly more flexibility, demonstrating higher tolerance for the 2–4 million TL range.
Contrary to common perception, the strongest motivator for choosing an electric vehicle is not climate crisis awareness or environmental consciousness but the expectation of lower fuel costs (71%).
In short: the Turkish consumer views EVs as a more affordable transportation option—but believes this affordability is not being delivered.
While 49% of consumers state they prefer charging at home, 63% do not have a home charging unit. This reveals that the seemingly solution-oriented “home charging” option is inaccessible to many due to inadequate infrastructure in practice.
Moreover, consumers place greater trust in vehicle manufacturers (OEMs) (63%) for charging solutions than in dealerships. In other words, they look to brands, not dealers, for solutions.
Another striking finding from the survey is the presence of high demand but declining brand loyalty in Türkiye’s automotive market.
The three most decisive factors in brand preference are:
This indicates that brands can no longer earn loyalty through advertising alone—they must earn it through real-world experience.
73% of Turkish consumers are open to purchasing vehicles directly from manufacturers online. Yet the same consumers:
As a result, authorized dealerships (66%) remain the preferred primary sales channel.
Deloitte’s 2025 data shows that the Turkish consumer requires not just technological advancement but a psychological infrastructure to transition to electric vehicles.
Until charging times, infrastructure gaps, and hidden costs are resolved, the pace of this transformation is unlikely to accelerate. Consumers are not investing in technology—they are demanding accessibility.
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