A majority of automotive manufacturing leaders expect electric vehicle (EV) production to increase in 2025, but doubts remain over the feasibility of meeting full EV production deadlines set for 2030-2040, according to ABB Robotics’ third Automotive Manufacturing Outlook Survey.
The survey, conducted with Automotive Manufacturing Solutions, found that 75% of respondents anticipate EV production growth next year. However, 31% believe achieving 100% EV production within the next decade or two is unrealistic, citing external challenges such as consumer demand and charging infrastructure limitations.
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“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,” said Joerg Reger, Managing Director of ABB Automotive Business Line.
While 31% of respondents expect EV output to grow by more than 10% in 2025, 44% predict a more modest increase of up to 10%. Meanwhile, 21% anticipate no change or a decline in production.
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Hybrid vehicle production is also expected to expand, with 67% forecasting growth in plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) manufacturing and 62% predicting an increase in hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) output. The findings suggest that manufacturers are balancing electrification efforts with hybrid alternatives as they navigate market uncertainties.
“Hybrid passenger vehicle production remains buoyant with the global manufacturing community expecting to produce more cars in 2025,” said Daniel Harrison, Chief Analyst for Automotive Manufacturing Solutions. “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.”
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