ABB Report Predicts EV Growth but Casts Doubt on Deadlines

The automotive industry is expressing optimism about the future of electric vehicle (EV) production in 2025.

This is according to ABB Robotics third 'Automotive Manufacturing Outlook' Survey, conducted in collaboration with leading industry publication Automotive Manufacturing Solutions.

The survey has provided key insights into how automotive manufacturing leaders and suppliers perceive EV production objectives, with 75% of leaders expecting production to grow this year.

Notably, 31% predict an increase of over 10%, while 44% anticipate a more moderate rise of up to 10%.

Only 21% of respondents believe that EV production will either remain static or decline  throughout the year.

These findings highlight a strong belief in the continued expansion of the EV sector, driven by advancements in manufacturing technology and increasing global demand for sustainable transport solutions.

However this growth, while promising, is not on track to meet outlined deadlines and targets. 

The likelihood of meeting current EV deadlines

Despite the general optimism regarding short-term EV growth, confidence in achieving full EV production targets by the regional deadlines of 2030-2040 has declined.

The survey found that 31% of respondents now consider these targets unattainable, compared to 27% in the previous year and just 18% in 2022.

In total, 65% expressed scepticism about meeting the full EV production goals within the expected timeframe.

This shift in sentiment indicates mounting concerns over external factors beyond manufacturing capabilities.

While automotive companies have made significant strides in EV production efficiency, broader challenges such as consumer adoption rates and charging infrastructure availability continue to impede growth in the EV sector. 

The survey underscores that these industry leaders believe the success of EV rollouts depends not only on production capacity but also on external economic and policy-driven elements

Automotive manufacturers have faced a climate of pressure surrounding EV adoption- but the foundation of infrastructure, education and incentives needed for widespread consumer adoption has not been created.

“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,” says Joerg Reger, Managing Director of ABB Automotive Business Line.

“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. ABB Robotics has made widescale changes to our own robotic and automation portfolio to support our customers and drive this transformation forward at pace.”

Hybrid production growing in 2025

Hybrid powertrains are also expected to see significant production increases in 2025 like EVs.

According to the survey, 67% of respondents predict an uptick in plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) production, with 20% anticipating an increase of over 10%.

Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) are also set for substantial growth, with 62% of respondents expecting production to rise this year.

This positive outlook for hybrid vehicles reflects their role as a bridge between traditional internal combustion engine cars and fully electric models.

Given current concerns about charging infrastructure and range anxiety, hybrids continue to offer a practical alternative for consumers transitioning to electric mobility.

As a result, automotive manufacturers are increasingly focusing on hybrid production to cater to market demand while working towards long-term EV goals.

In summary, the automotive industry remains largely optimistic about the expansion of EV production in 2025, though concerns about meeting full electrification deadlines persist.

Meanwhile, strong growth is forecasted for hybrid vehicles, ensuring a diverse range of powertrain options for consumers in the years ahead.

The findings of ABB Robotics’ Automotive Manufacturing Outlook Survey emphasise the evolving landscape of the industry and the need for continued advancements in both production and infrastructure to meet future mobility demands.

“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,” said Daniel Harrison, Chief Analyst for Automotive Manufacturing Solutions.

“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.”

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