Energy barometer 2021-L’argus. Gasoline resists hybrid

For the sixth consecutive year since 2016, Argus publishes its energy barometer, which measures the purchasing intentions of individuals in terms of motorization for their future car. For this 2021 edition, the study was carried out with 1,825 respondents, mainly men aged 54 years on average *.
Among them, 42% are retirees and 27% managers, who live, for 69% of them, in a rural area or a small town. Alexandre Mahé, automotive expert consultant at Argus, estimate that the panel of this barometer “Is similar to the typology of the average buyer of a new vehicle”, knowing that two thirds of them plan to buy a new car and one third a used car.

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Thermal represents 50% of purchase intentions

While the previous edition recognized the rise of hybrid engines to erase the petrol-diesel duel that we have known for several decades, the 2021 barometer highlights an offer “Now fragmented”, which shows that “Buyers are looking for the wisest choice” in the face of changes in legislation and the deployment of Low Emission Zones (ZFE). Thus, the study notes a clear rebound in interest in gasoline (29%, + 6 points), notably driven by the enthusiasm for E85. This against the backdrop of rising prices at the pump, while the installation of E85 conversion units continues to increase.

While diesel only represents 21% of purchase intentions (- 3 points), heat engines are still considered by 50% of the panel questioned, while they are still 82% to own a gasoline or diesel car. However, diesel confirms its loss of attractiveness with the forthcoming generalization of EPZs, what “Ask the question of the surplus” in the second-hand fleet and therefore future residual values, emphasizes Alexandre Mahé.
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In this context, the hybrid is “Perceived as a good compromise with much less constraints than electric”, notes the expert. While 9% of respondents already own a hybrid car, 28% of them (- 1 point) are considering buying a new one. Among the purchase intentions for the hybrid:

• 37% of the panel say they are interested in the rechargeable hybrid,
• 32% to the non-rechargeable hybrid
• 9% to micro-hybrid models

But, 22% don’t know what kind of technology they would like to use. Alexandre Mahé thus emphasizes “The growing confusion” buyers with purchase intentions who “Scatter” as the automotive industry begins a long energy transition, but also because the offer to purchase has “Multiplied” these last years.

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Electricity progresses despite many brakes

However, the trend towards electrification seems to be confirmed, since 17% of respondents intend to buy an electric car. The expert points out that the launch of many new products among car manufacturers has made it possible to make the offer “More competitive and accessible”, allowing the electric vehicle to cross a ” glass ceiling “. But the offer in terms of electric cars is still considered too expensive or not suitable (54%), while the panel believes that there are still too many constraints to use.

With regard to other types of motorization, hydrogen represents “A curiosity for consumers” despite a virtual absence of supply while its “Commercial interest remains to be confirmed”, Alexandre Mahé tells us. As for gas-powered engines, especially LPG, they “Still suffer from a lack of notoriety and stations”, despite “Attractive user costs”, which are reflected in particular by the success of the offer proposed by Dacia.

A shortage of hybrids on the second-hand market

In addition, this 2021 energy barometer offered by Argus reveals that purchasing intentions in terms of motorization depend greatly on the needs and type of motorists. Those who are considering buying a new car are more likely to be interested in the hybrid, ahead of gasoline and electric, while buyers of used vehicles (used vehicles) rather consider gasoline, diesel and hybrids.

The study points out that the freedom to drive in EPZs drives the demand for new vehicles with gasoline or hybrid engines on the part of individuals, while the demand for used vehicles is “Influenced by the available stock”, 97% made up of heat engine vehicles. However, the difference between the current used vehicle fleet and demand highlights a “Shortage of hybrids” and one “Surplus diesel vehicles”.
Likewise, while the big rollers remain the most attached to diesel, this motorization is also more popular in rural areas than in large urban areas. Versatile and compact cars are primarily considered with a gasoline, electric or hybrid engine, while SUVs are more often associated with hybrid or diesel. Family cars and minivans remain associated mainly with diesel, despite a surge in alternative energies.