A new survey of German car industry managers suggests the sector is further into its electric vehicle (EV) transition than public debate tends to imply, with a small group of slower-moving firms distorting the wider picture and potentially dragging down the broader shift. The research was carried out jointly by the University of Sussex and the Fraunhofer Institute for Systems and Innovation Research, drawing on responses from 74 industry managers gathered toward the end of 2025.
The findings indicate that while many automakers have made significant strides toward electrification, a subset of legacy firms is moving at a slower pace, creating a drag effect on the industry's overall progress. This disparity could have major implications for the global EV transition, as slower-moving companies may struggle to catch up, potentially facing competitive disadvantages and regulatory pressures.
According to the survey, companies that are lagging behind risk falling into a cycle of delayed investment and missed opportunities, which could further widen the gap between leaders and followers. This is particularly concerning for firms like Ferrari N.V. (NYSE: RACE), which have laid out ambitious EV plans and are closely watching the industry's trajectory.
The survey's timing is crucial as the automotive industry faces increasing pressure from governments and consumers to accelerate the shift away from internal combustion engines. The European Union, for example, has proposed an effective ban on new petrol and diesel cars by 2035, pushing automakers to ramp up their EV production.
For business leaders, the survey underscores the importance of strategic agility in the face of technological disruption. Companies that fail to adapt quickly may find themselves losing market share to more nimble competitors, both established automakers and new entrants like Tesla and Chinese EV manufacturers. The findings also highlight the need for policymakers to consider the varying capabilities of firms when designing regulations and incentives, to avoid inadvertently penalizing those that are already making progress.
For the broader industry, the survey suggests that the EV transition may be more uneven than commonly assumed. While some firms are well on their way, others are holding back the collective progress, which could slow down the overall adoption of electric vehicles and delay the environmental benefits they promise.
GreenCarStocks, a specialized communications platform focused on electric vehicles and the green energy sector, notes that this dynamic could create opportunities for investors to identify both leaders and laggards in the EV space. The company, which is part of the Dynamic Brand Portfolio @IBN, provides access to a vast network of wire solutions and social media distribution to help companies reach a wide audience.
As the EV market continues to evolve, the survey serves as a reminder that the transition is not a monolithic process. The success of the shift will depend on the ability of all players to move forward together, or risk being left behind.
