Germany, unified SUV country — especially with electric vehicles

Industry expert Ferdinand Dudenhöffer sees the general popularity of SUVs as the main factor for their success in the electric car market. Additionally, the design of SUVs, particularly the higher vehicle floor, offers practical advantages for electric vehicles. The additional space is used to accommodate the large batteries necessary for electromobility. From an economic perspective, car manufacturers are also well-advised to offer new models in the popular SUV form, as these meet greater demand.

Environmental Organizations Criticize the Trend

Environmentalists are critical of the growing market share of electric SUVs. Marion Tiemann, a traffic expert at Greenpeace, sees the increasing prevalence of these vehicles as a problematic development. She describes the focus of automakers on electric SUVs as resource-wasting and socially unjust. The production of large and heavy electric cars requires more raw materials, which worsens the environmental footprint of these vehicles. Additionally, electric SUVs, due to their size and high price, are often accessible only to wealthier consumer segments.

Tiemann therefore calls for a rethinking in the automotive industry. Instead of continuing to rely on large and expensive electric SUVs, manufacturers should offer affordable electric vehicles for the broader public. Small, resource-efficient electric cars, in particular, could accelerate the transition to environmentally friendly mobility. This would not only reduce the ecological footprint but also make access to electric vehicles possible for a larger population group.

SUVs as a Guarantee of Success – But at What Cost?

The ongoing success of electric SUVs shows that they are firmly established in the market. Manufacturers are leveraging the demand for these models to boost their sales. However, criticism regarding the environmental footprint and high costs of these vehicles is growing louder. In the coming years, it will be crucial whether automakers diversify their model ranges and introduce more affordable and ecological alternatives to the market. Only this way can electromobility be anchored long-term across all societal strata.

Translated automatically from German.