A recent survey of German car industry managers suggests that the sector is further along in its electric vehicle (EV) transition than public debate often implies, but a small group of slower-moving firms is distorting the wider picture and potentially dragging down the broader shift. The research, conducted jointly by the University of Sussex and the Fraunhofer Institute for Systems and Innovation Research, drew on responses from 74 industry managers gathered toward the end of 2025.
The findings indicate that while many companies have made significant strides in adopting EV technologies and strategies, a subset of legacy automakers lags behind, creating a skewed perception of the industry's overall progress. This disparity could have significant implications for the pace of the global EV transition, as the slower firms may delay necessary supply chain adjustments and infrastructure investments.
Firms like Ferrari N.V. (NYSE: RACE) that have laid out ambitious EV plans will be closely watching these dynamics, as the success of the broader transition depends on widespread adoption across the industry. The survey highlights the risk that a few legacy players could become bottlenecks, slowing down the collective shift toward electrification.
The research underscores the importance of monitoring not just the leaders but also the laggards in the EV transition. As the industry moves forward, the pace of change may be more uneven than headline numbers suggest, with implications for investors, policymakers, and consumers. For investors, this means that companies heavily reliant on traditional internal combustion engine vehicles may face increasing pressure to accelerate their EV plans or risk losing market share.
The survey also raises questions about the effectiveness of current policies and incentives in pushing all automakers toward electrification. While some firms have embraced the transition, others may require stronger regulatory signals or market pressures to move faster. The findings come at a critical time as the automotive industry faces mounting pressure to reduce carbon emissions and meet increasingly stringent environmental targets.
Overall, the survey provides a nuanced view of the EV transition, suggesting that while progress is being made, the journey is far from uniform. The slower-moving firms serve as a reminder that the transition to electric vehicles is not just a technological challenge but also a strategic and cultural one, requiring commitment from all players in the industry.
