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, 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.
The findings indicate that while a majority of companies have made significant strides in electrification, a minority are lagging behind, creating a skewed perception of the industry's overall progress. These slower-moving firms, according to the study, may be hindering the collective transition by slowing supply chain adjustments and delaying necessary infrastructure investments. The study highlights that firms like Ferrari N.V. (NYSE: RACE), which have laid out ambitious EV plans, are part of a larger group that is moving ahead, but the presence of stragglers could undermine the sector's momentum.
The implications of this research are significant for policymakers and investors. If the lagging firms continue to delay their transitions, they could create bottlenecks in the supply chain and slow the overall adoption of EVs. This could also affect the competitiveness of the German automotive industry globally, especially as other regions accelerate their EV plans. The study calls for targeted support to help these slower-moving firms catch up, ensuring that the entire sector can benefit from the transition.
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