EV Production Outlook: Optimism Tempered by External Challenges
March 3, 2025 – Automotive manufacturers are generally optimistic about the growth of electric vehicle (EV) production in 2025, but they express reservations about achieving 100% production targets, according to research from ABB Robotics. The findings suggest that while factories are becoming more adept at EV manufacturing, external factors like consumer demand and infrastructure limitations pose significant challenges.
The ABB Robotics’ third Automotive Manufacturing Outlook Survey, conducted in partnership with Automotive Manufacturing Solutions, revealed a positive outlook.
- Almost a third (31%) of respondents predicted an EV output increase of over 10%.
- A further 44% expected production growth, up to 10%.
- Only 21% anticipated static or declining EV production in 2025.
The survey indicated a considerable improvement in EV manufacturing capabilities. “Significant change has taken place in terms of introducing new production technology as well as up-skilling workforces,” the report stated.
Challenges to Meeting Deadlines
Despite the optimistic forecast, confidence waned regarding manufacturers’ ability to meet proposed regional deadlines for 100% EV production. When asked about the achievability of these goals set between 2030 and 2040, 31% of participants considered them impossible, up from 27% the previous year and 18% in 2022.
Overall, two-thirds (65%) expressed skepticism about the feasibility of full EV production within the 2030-2040 timeframe. The main barriers were concerns about factors beyond the factory, including levels of consumer demand and confidence in charging infrastructure.
Hybrid Powertrains Anticipated to Thrive
The survey also indicated that the manufacturing experts predict growth in hybrid powertrains during 2025:
- 67% believe plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) production will rise.
- 20% forecast PHEV production to increase by over 10%.
- Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) output is also expected to show growth, with 62% projecting an increase.
Joerg Reger, Managing Director of ABB Automotive Business Line, commented on the survey results: “This year’s survey found that overall, automotive manufacturing professionals are optimistic about EV production growth in 2025, but unsure about reaching 100 percent electric vehicle production timetables due to factors now often beyond the factory environment. There’s strong evidence that EV manufacturing capabilities are now considerably improved. ABB Robotics has made widescale changes to our own robotic and automation portfolio to support our customers and drive this transformation forward at pace.”
Daniel Harrison, Chief Analyst for Automotive Manufacturing Solutions, added, “Hybrid passenger vehicle production remains buoyant with the global manufacturing community expecting to produce more cars in 2025. These results support the survey’s main findings that the overall pace of EV adoption is currently not fast enough to reach some of the upcoming legislative deadlines for a 100% electric future. Within the manufacturing environment the production of numerous powertrains across several model lines can create considerable complexity and additional cost, which has been pinpointed in our previous surveys produced in partnership with ABB Robotics.”
