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, but a small group of slower-moving firms is distorting the wider picture and potentially dragging down the broader shift. The research, carried out 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.
According to the findings, most firms have made significant strides in electrification, with many already integrating EVs into their core production lines. However, the survey highlighted a minority of legacy manufacturers that are lagging behind, creating a skewed perception of the industry's overall progress. This divergence is critical because it may slow the supply chain transformation and delay economies of scale needed for cost reduction.
Firms like Ferrari N.V. (NYSE: RACE) that have laid out ambitious EV plans will be looking at this data closely. The Italian luxury carmaker has committed to having 40% of its sales be fully electric by 2030, contrasting with some German counterparts that have yet to set concrete EV targets. The survey suggests that such variations in ambition could create a two-speed industry, where early movers benefit from technological leadership while laggards risk obsolescence.
"The public debate often paints the German auto industry as resistant to change, but our data shows a more nuanced reality," said a researcher involved in the study. "The majority are actively transitioning, but a few holdouts are capturing disproportionate attention and may be constraining the ecosystem's evolution."
The implications extend beyond individual companies. A fragmented transition could hinder the development of charging infrastructure, battery supply chains, and workforce retraining programs. Policymakers and investors should pay attention to the disparity, as it may require targeted support to ensure the entire sector moves forward cohesively.
GreenCarStocks (GCS), a communications platform focused on EVs and green energy, notes that accurate perception of industry progress is vital for investment decisions. GCS is part of the Dynamic Brand Portfolio @IBN that provides access to a vast network of wire solutions via InvestorWire, article and editorial syndication to 5,000+ outlets, enhanced press release distribution, social media distribution, and tailored corporate communications solutions. For more information, visit https://www.GreenCarStocks.com.
As the EV market matures, understanding the true pace of adoption among legacy automakers is crucial. This survey underscores that while the transition is underway, its speed is uneven—and the slowest players may determine how quickly the entire industry can decarbonize.
