German automaker Volkswagen has reclaimed the top spot among volume brands in the latest innovation study by Germany’s Centre of Automotive Management (CAM), while Chinese manufacturer Nio leads the premium segment.
The report highlights a growing concentration of innovation in e-mobility among German and Chinese firms, with Tesla falling behind previous performance.
Volkswagen topped the volume brand rankings with an innovation score of 29.4, buoyed by breakthroughs in its ID.3 GTX and ID.7 models. The ID.3 GTX offers a 79 kWh battery with a WLTP range of 604 kilometres and fast-charging capabilities up to 185 kW. Meanwhile, the ID.7 Pro S boasts 86 kWh of capacity with a low energy consumption rate of 13.6 kWh per 100 kilometres.
Renault came second (24.4), largely due to the R5 E-Tech Electric, which includes bidirectional charging and improved battery tech. Kia followed with 20.5 points, with the EV3 noted for its segment-leading range and grid integration capabilities.
In the premium segment, Nio led with an innovation score of 33.5. CAM highlighted Nio’s use of semi-solid-state batteries in the ET5 and EC7 models, with the ET5 offering a claimed range of 1,055 kilometres. The firm’s 1,000-volt charging infrastructure, offering speeds up to 640 kW, was also cited as a significant milestone. Audi took second place, driven by innovations in the A6 e-tron and Q6 e-tron, while Tesla placed third, supported by improvements in the updated Model 3 and the introduction of the Cybertruck’s V2L and V2H capabilities.
“Innovation in consumption, range, and charging speed are critical to real-world EV adoption,” the CAM noted, linking strong technological progress with long-term sales growth. While Tesla once led both innovation and market share from 2016 to 2020, its declining performance in the study coincides with a drop in global BEV share. In contrast, the rising innovation strength of Volkswagen, BYD, and Geely has contributed to increasing sales momentum.
The 2025 study analysed 253 innovations in e-mobility, covering both commercialised and pre-series technologies. It marks a clear shift in the global innovation landscape as Chinese and German automakers intensify their focus on electric vehicle technology and infrastructure.
Source: automotiveinnovations.de