In recent years, the debate about the transition to electric cars has dominated the automotive sector, with government incentives and environmental policies aimed at encouraging the shift from internal combustion engines to battery-powered vehicles. However, the most recent data highlights an unexpected trend: Italians are returning to prefer cars with internal combustion engines. According to Deloitte 's Global Automotive Consumer Study 2025 , interest in internal combustion vehicles in Italy has increased from 19% in 2023 to 32% in 2025 , a significant growth that reflects economic and practical concerns.
The Decline of Interest in Electric Cars in Italy
The battery electric car ( BEV ) currently represents only 4% of new registrations in Italy, a share still far from reaching mass diffusion. Despite the initial enthusiasm for sustainable mobility, several factors are contributing to a slowdown in the electric transition:
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High Price: 56 % of Italians consider cost the main criterion when choosing a car. Electric cars, often more expensive than their petrol and diesel counterparts, are less accessible for the majority of consumers.
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Limited Range: 41 % of respondents fear that electric cars do not have enough range to meet their mobility needs.
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Charging Times and Inadequate Infrastructure: 40 % believe charging times are too long , while 36% complain about the lack of public charging stations .
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Difficulty in Installing a Home Charging Point: 25 % of Italians say they cannot install a charging system at home, making the electric car less practical.
These problems, combined with rising inflation and the end of public incentives, have shifted the focus from the "environmental sustainability" factor to economic savings as a priority when purchasing a vehicle.
The Return of Petrol and Diesel Cars
Italy is not the only country where there is a renewed interest in internal combustion cars. According to the Deloitte report:
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In Europe, 47% of consumers still prefer internal combustion engine cars.
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In the United States, this percentage rises to 67% , highlighting even greater resistance to the transition to electric.
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In China, where electric vehicles have reached 28% of the market, 33% of consumers still prefer traditional cars.
These data show that the electric transition is not uniform globally and that consumer preferences vary based on economic, infrastructural and cultural factors.
The Hybrid As A Winning Compromise
Faced with uncertainty about electric cars and the rising costs of gasoline and diesel cars, Italians are increasingly opting for hybrid solutions. Thirty-two percent of respondents to the Global Automotive Consumer Study 2025 prefer plug-in hybrid vehicles (HEV and MHEV) , which combine a combustion engine with electrical support to improve efficiency and reduce fuel consumption.
The plug-in hybrid (PHEV) , which offers greater electric autonomy than HEVs, seems less attractive to Italians, stopping at 13% of preferences . This could be due to the need for charging, which involves the same infrastructural problems as fully electric cars.
The Strategies of the Car Manufacturers
Major automakers are responding to this trend by changing their production and marketing strategies. Stellantis, Volkswagen, and Renault have recently recalibrated their offerings, increasing the availability of hybrid models to meet growing demand.
Attention is also shifting to price competitiveness: according to analysts, 2025 could be the year in which electric cars become more accessible , but at the moment there is a lack of a strong offer in the sub-30,000 euro range. If Western car manufacturers do not accelerate the process, Chinese manufacturers could fill this gap , offering electric models at more affordable prices.
Car Buying: New Consumer Habits
In addition to the choice of food type, the Deloitte report highlights changes in the purchasing methods of Italians:
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83% still prefer direct contact with the seller to negotiate the price and evaluate after-sales services.
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49% use the car daily , but interest in shared mobility is growing: 37% of Italians are open to alternative solutions .
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Among young people, the propensity for shared mobility rises to 42% , a sign of a possible paradigm shift in the long term.
Conclusions: The Future of the Car Market in Italy
The surge in interest in internal combustion-powered cars highlights how the transition to electric is facing significant obstacles. As consumers continue to prioritize economy and convenience, the auto industry is adapting by offering more hybrid models and exploring new pricing strategies for electric vehicles.
The real turning point could come in the next few years with the launch of cheaper electric cars and with more widespread charging infrastructures . However, until then, the internal combustion engine will continue to be the protagonist on Italian roads.
