Global preference for electric vehicles is declining, and buyers are returning to combustion engines.

The EY Mobility Consumer Index study shows a decline in global preference for electric vehicles, with 50% of buyers intending to purchase internal combustion engine cars in the next 24 months. In Romania, the auto market recorded an 11% increase for electrified vehicles, with a share of 56% of total sales by October 2025, and pure electric vehicles (BEVs) increased by 80%.

However, concerns about range and charging infrastructure remain major obstacles for consumers. Additionally, policy changes, such as the elimination of tax credits for electric vehicles in the US, influence buying trends. Although interest in electric vehicles persists, many consumers are worried about the high costs of batteries and the difficulties in finding charging stations.

Moreover, buyers would prefer to complete purchases in person, although there is a trend to use online channels. These changes suggest a reevaluation of mobility options, with a greater focus on internal combustion engine vehicles in the context of current challenges.