ABB Robotics’ third Automotive Manufacturing Outlook Survey, conducted with Automotive Manufacturing Solutions, reveals industry insights on EV production growth in 2025. The report details manufacturers’ optimism and the hurdles they face in reaching full EV production targets.

Industry Leaders Expect EV Production Growth in 2025

“This year’s survey found that overall, automotive manufacturing professionals are optimistic about EV production growth in 2025, but unsure about reaching 100% electric vehicle production timetables due to factors now often beyond the factory environment,” said Joerg Reger, Managing Director of ABB Automotive Business Line. “There’s strong evidence that EV manufacturing capabilities are now considerably improved. 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.”

Survey results indicate strong confidence in EV production growth in 2025. 31% of respondents predict output will increase by over 10%, while 44% expect growth of up to 10%. Meanwhile, only 21% believe EV production will either remain static (8%) or decline (13%) this year.

Challenges in Achieving 100% EV Production

Despite optimism about EV production growth, concerns remain about hitting 100% electric vehicle production targets. When asked about meeting regional EV production deadlines between 2030-2040, 31% of respondents called it impossible, up from 27% last year and 18% in 2022. Overall, 65% doubt the industry can reach full EV production within the 2030-2040 timeframe.

Key Barriers to EV Expansion

The survey identifies several challenges that hinder EV production growth in 2025, many of which extend beyond manufacturing facilities. Respondents point to consumer demand and charging infrastructure as the primary barriers slowing adoption.

Meanwhile, the ABB Automotive Manufacturing Outlook Survey forecasts strong growth in hybrid powertrains. 67% of respondents expect plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) production to increase, with 20% predicting a surge of over 10%. The Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) market also shows promise, with 62% anticipating growth this year.

Hybrid Vehicles Play a Key Role in the Transition

“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.”

Download the full survey results here: ABB-AMS Automotive Manufacturing Outlook Survey