Rising Energy Costs: Impacts on Attitudes and Adoption of EVs and HeatPumps

A sample of 1,000 adults, representative of the population in each country, was surveyed in the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Spain, Italy and Poland. Fieldwork was conducted online between 29 May and 3 June 2026.

The research was carried out by Verian and commissioned by the European Climate Foundation.

1. A lasting crisis that strengthens support for reducing fossil fuel dependence

Across all countries, there is a clear and shared perception that the current energy crisis is not temporary. Around two-thirds to three-quarters of Europeans believe energy prices will remain high for a prolonged period, with only a small minority expecting a quick return to normal.

This perception is grounded in lived experience: the crisis is already having a significant impact on household budgets, affecting a majority in every country. The impact is particularly acute in Italy (76%) and Spain (73%), while still affecting a majority in Germany (58%) and Poland (57%), albeit to a slightly lesser extent.

In this context, there is broad support for a gradual reduction of dependence on fossil fuels at EU level. This support tends to be stronger in the countries most affected by rising costs (notably Spain and Italy), while opposition remains limited. Importantly, around one quarter of respondents remain undecided, highlighting that there is still room for further persuasion and public engagement.

2. Electric vehicles: growing interest but a need for reassurance and affordability

The crisis is accelerating consideration of electric vehicles

The rise in energy prices is clearly influencing consumer attitudes: around 30% to 39% of citizens say the crisis makes them more likely to consider buying an electric vehicle. This is a strong signal that the current context is creating a window of opportunity for accelerating adoption.

However, opinions remain divided

Despite this momentum, overall consideration of EVs remains mixed and often polarized, especially in France, Germany and Poland, where those unwilling to consider an EV still outnumber those who would.

In contrast, Italy and Spain show a more favourable balance, while the UK sits in between. This highlights that the transition is not yet fully secured and that there are still important barriers to overcome in key countries.

A clear need to build confidence

One of the main challenges lies in perceptions of resilience: only a minority of Europeans (35%) believe that EV owners are better protected from rising energy prices.

However, among current EV owners, the picture is very different: around 75% believe households like theirs are better protected. This strongly suggests that experience drives conviction, and that existing users can play a key role as credible ambassadors.

Strong public support for public action

There is majority support in all countries for governments to encourage EV adoption, with support levels often above 50%, and particularly high in countries like Spain and the UK.

Financial levers are especially popular and widely supported across countries, including:

• Subsidies or purchase incentives
• Reduced electricity taxation for charging
• Support for charging infrastructure (including at home and in rural areas)
• Social leasing schemes for lower-income households

Support for these measures typically reaches 60% to 70%, with relatively limited opposition.

In addition, there is a very strong and consistent expectation towards the EU: around two-thirds to more than 70% of respondents support requiring manufacturers to offer more affordable EVs.

EV users: strong advocates of the transition

Those who have already adopted EVs emerge as highly supportive:

• 78% would consider an EV again
• 83% support government efforts to promote them

This confirms that adoption reinforces acceptance, and that scaling up uptake can create a virtuous circle.

3. Heat pumps: potential but stronger structural barriers

More contrasted dynamics across countries

Compared to EVs, attitudes towards heat pumps are more heterogeneous across countries. Consideration levels vary significantly, from around 25% (in the UK) to more than 50% (in Italy).

The impact of rising energy prices on interest is slightly more moderate than for EVs, with roughly 25% to 40% saying they are more likely to consider a heat pump.

Financial barriers are the primary obstacle

The main barrier is clearly economic: the upfront cost of installation is by far the most frequently cited obstacle, mentioned by around 30% to 45% of respondents.

Other barriers (need for home adaptations, concerns about bills, administrative complexity) exist, but remain secondary. This confirms that financial support mechanisms are critical to unlock demand.

Perceived benefits remain unclear for many

Perceptions of protection against energy price increases are less established than for EVs, and characterised by a high level of uncertainty, with a large share of respondents saying they “don’t know”.

However, among heat pump owners, 57% believe households like theirs are better protected, again showing that direct experience significantly improves perception.

More broadly, while a relative majority agrees that heat pumps can reduce bills in the long term and contribute to energy independence, a substantial proportion of respondents remain uncertain, indicating a need for clearer communication and evidence.

Strong support for public action, especially financial support

There is majority support in all countries for governments to encourage the installation of heat pumps (around 50% to nearly 70%), with limited opposition.

As for EVs, financial measures are key and widely supported, including:

• Subsidies or tax credits
• Low-interest loans
• Reduced VAT or lower electricity costs

These measures consistently gather strong majority support (around 55% to 65%), with very low levels of opposition.