Consumer interest

We follow the user journey from initial search to model page visit, to sale. We analyse, then factor in, Google search activity to understand the split between interest in EV and ICE vehicles.

Using data from car brands’ digital platforms – which they share through the Sophus3 eDataXchange project – as well as modelling data from Similar Web, we measure the proportion of the huge online audience to automotive sites who visit an EV model page compared to those who visit pages for conventional ICE (internal combustion engine) powered cars.

We also factor in the actual number of vehicles sold by powertrain to see how much consumer interest online translates into purchasing a fully electric vehicle.

An index score of 100 for consumer interest means that curiosity about both powertrains is the same.

Affordability and choice

Here we measure, firstly, the proportion of electric models on offer from manufacturers compared to ICE cars as an indication of the choice consumers have. We then compare the pricing of the two types of vehicle to calculate any premium that an EV buyer must pay. Pricing is central to differentiating how accessible electric cars really are to consumers, rather than being halo products that a manufacturer expects to sell only in small numbers. ( ‘On the Road’ pricing is used in the calculation which includes all taxes, delivery and other charges. Where a central government subsidy is offered on purchase of an EV, this is included within the price calculations.)

An index score of 100 for affordability and choice means that an equal number of electric and ICE models are offered, and that the pricing of equivalent models is the same.

Charging Infrastructure

This pillar measures the availability of public charging points for EVs and compares this to the availability of fuel pumps to support ICE cars. This is a measure designed to show the change over time towards more available public chargers. We do not factor in at home chargers or private business chargers even though these make up a large amount of the charging infrastructure.

An index score of 100 represents a parity between the ease with which the driver of either type of vehicle can refuel/recharge.

Combining the data

The three separate indices are combined mathematically to give a single number that represents the readiness of a market to go electric. However, in publishing the index we show the contribution of each element because significant shortcomings in one area could effectively stymie progress in other areas. The three pillars are therefore displayed in traffic light colours. Green indicates a good performance where conditions positively encourage EV adoption. Orange indicates limitations in provision where some of the drivers for adoption are just satisfactory. Red indicates that a set of conditions exist that actively discourage or even block consumers from wanting or being able to buy an EV.

Index frequency and coverage

• The Sophus3 EV Index is published quarterly.
• The Sophus3 EV Index currently measures performance for the UK market, but we are preparing to publish the Index for Germany, Spain, France, Italy and Norway too.

To find out more

Sophus3 makes the EV Index available for free to the many and varied interest groups following or promoting the growth of the electric vehicle sector, be they vehicle manufacturers, environmental groups, marketeers or governmental agencies.

In that spirit of openness we welcome comments and feedback, as well as suggestions as to how the index could be enhanced and used more effectively.

Contact: patrick.fuller@sophus3.com