Auto Industry Leaders Express Doubts on EV Target Deadlines
Automotive industry leaders are increasingly skeptical about meeting ambitious deadlines for 100% electric vehicle production, according to a new survey. The findings highlight concerns about factors outside of manufacturing capabilities as major hurdles.
A comprehensive study, the ABB Robotics’ third Automotive Manufacturing Outlook Survey, reported that 65% of manufacturing experts are doubtful about reaching complete EV production within the 2030 to 2040 timeframe. This represents a significant shift in sentiment.
The survey indicates a sharp decrease in confidence compared to previous years. Notably, 31% of respondents now believe the 100% electric vehicle production targets are impossible, up from 27% last year and just 18% in 2022.
Despite the skepticism, the industry anticipates growth in EV output. A significant 31% of manufacturing leaders predict EV production will increase by over 10% in 2025. Additionally, 44% believe production will rise by up to 10% this year; only one in five anticipate no growth or a decline.
Key barriers to full EV adoption are now identified as challenges “outside the factory.” Consumer demand is a major concern, alongside confidence in charging infrastructure. These external factors are perceived as the most significant obstacles to meeting ambitious EV production deadlines. Joerg Reger, managing director of ABB ‘s Automotive Business Line, noted the progress in manufacturing capabilities.
“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.”
Reger added, “There’s strong evidence that EV manufacturing capabilities are now considerably improved, and significant change has taken place in terms of introducing new production technology as well as upskilling workforces.”
The survey’s results also showed strong growth predictions for hybrid vehicles. Two-thirds of those surveyed expect PHEV production to increase in 2025.
Daniel Harrison, chief analyst for Automotive Manufacturing Solutions, made a similar observation:
“Hybrid passenger vehicle production remains buoyant with the global manufacturing community expecting to produce more cars in 2025.”
Harrison further explained that the current pace of EV adoption is insufficient to meet looming legislative deadlines for a fully electric future. He identified the complexity and added cost of manufacturing multiple powertrain technologies as another factor.
