Why electric cars are still struggling to take off in Croatia

Despite rising fuel prices and growing interest in sustainable transport worldwide, electric vehicles (EVs) remain relatively rare in Croatia. According to the Centre for Vehicles of Croatia, there were 12,605 electric vehicles on Croatian roads last year, supported by around 2,000 charging stations across the country.

However, when it comes to the share of newly registered electric cars, Croatia still ranks near the bottom of the European Union.

Significant savings for EV drivers

For those who have made the switch, the benefits are clear.

Goran Cvjetojević has been driving an electric car for more than a decade and he told RTL Danas the financial advantages are substantial.

Over 250,000 kilometres of driving, he estimates the savings amount to tens of thousands of euros, mainly due to the absence of fuel costs.

Electric cars also offer a quieter driving experience. Without engine noise, drivers can travel in near silence while listening to music or simply enjoying the calm.

In daily use, charging is often minimal. Cvjetojević says he sometimes drives an entire week without needing to charge his vehicle. Even on longer journeys, the process remains manageable.

On a trip from Croatia to Warsaw, he only needed three charging stops of around 20 minutes each.

Encouraged by the savings, he has transitioned his entire business fleet to electric vehicles. He currently operates 11 EVs and has installed solar panels on his building to power them.

With five electric vehicles driving between 50 and 70 kilometres daily, his annual electricity bill was only €86.

By comparison, he notes that if those vehicles ran on petrol, they would require weekly refuelling costing between €50 and €100 each time.

“I actually no longer know how much it costs to fill a fuel tank,” he said, adding that he has not visited a petrol station in 10 years.

Dramatically lower travel costs

Electric driving can also be significantly cheaper over long distances.

For example, a one-way journey from Zagreb to Split costs approximately:

• €45 in a petrol car

• €35 in a diesel car

• around €6 in an electric vehicle when charged at home

If drivers rely on public charging stations, the cost rises depending on the charger type, ranging between €16 and €55.

Experts say misconceptions about EVs remain widespread.

The association Strujni krug notes that many people still believe electric cars are highly flammable, difficult to repair or that their batteries quickly become unusable.

Another common myth is that EVs can only travel about 100 kilometres per charge or require hours to recharge.

In reality, technology has advanced rapidly.

Modern electric vehicles now typically offer a driving range of between 200 and 500 kilometres, with some premium models exceeding 500 kilometres.

Prices are also becoming increasingly competitive.

Vehicles in the popular €20,000 to €30,000 segment are now priced similarly to conventional petrol and diesel cars. Some entry-level electric cars can even be purchased for around €13,000, making them cheaper than many combustion-engine alternatives.

Experts say this means electric vehicles can already serve as a household’s primary car or as practical vehicles for businesses.

While the number of charging points has grown, experts say Croatia still lacks high-powered chargers, particularly along major transport routes.

Many chargers currently available in Croatia provide 50 kilowatts of power, which are now considered outdated in more developed EV markets such as Germany.

European regulations also envisioned major charging infrastructure roughly every 60 kilometres along key roads, something Croatia has yet to fully implement.

The shortage becomes particularly noticeable during the summer tourism season.

Last year, Croatia recorded more than 80,000 foreign visitors arriving in electric vehicles, according to industry estimates. That represents seven times more EV charging demand than the domestic market alone.

This year the number could exceed 100,000 electric vehicles entering the country.

Croatia at the bottom of EU rankings

Despite global growth in electric mobility, Croatia remains among the EU’s weakest markets for new EV registrations.

According to Eurostat data for 2024, electric vehicles accounted for just 1.8% of newly registered cars in Croatia.

By comparison:

• Norway: around 90% of new car registrations are electric

• Denmark: around 51%

Subsidies remain a key barrier

Government incentives are another obstacle for potential buyers.

Companies in Croatia can receive subsidies of up to €9,000, but these incentives are not continuous and are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Industry experts argue that this system discourages buyers because there is no guarantee they will receive support after choosing a vehicle.

Neighbouring Slovenia offers a contrasting model. Buyers there receive €7,000 for a new electric vehicle and €3,000 for a used one, with subsidies available throughout the year.

This predictable approach allows buyers to visit a dealership, select a car and confidently count on the incentive.

Waiting for a tipping point

As electric vehicles become more affordable and global production continues to expand, adoption across Europe is accelerating.

For Croatia, experts say the key challenges remain stronger charging infrastructure, consistent subsidies and greater public awareness.