A new survey of German car industry managers suggests the sector is further into its electric vehicle 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 many firms have made significant progress in electrification, a minority of legacy automakers are lagging behind. This uneven pace of adoption could have implications for the entire industry, as slower-moving companies may hinder the development of charging infrastructure, supply chains, and consumer confidence. The survey highlights that the public perception of the EV transition may be overly pessimistic, colored by the actions of a few prominent but slower players.
Companies like Ferrari N.V. (NYSE: RACE), which have laid out ambitious EV plans, will be looking at the broader industry dynamics with interest. The survey suggests that while Ferrari and other forward-looking firms push ahead, the overall transition could be slowed if legacy manufacturers fail to keep pace. This creates a risk that the EV market could become fragmented, with leaders and laggards diverging sharply.
The impact on the industry could be significant: slower-moving firms may face competitive disadvantages, regulatory penalties, and loss of market share. For consumers, a delayed transition could mean fewer affordable EV options and a slower build-out of charging networks. On a global scale, if major auto markets like Germany lag, it could undermine efforts to meet climate targets and reduce greenhouse gas emissions from transportation.
The survey also underscores the need for policy interventions to accelerate the transition, such as stricter emissions standards or incentives for investment in EV production. The findings come at a critical time, as automakers worldwide are investing billions in electrification, and government regulations are tightening. The research from the University of Sussex and Fraunhofer Institute provides a data-driven look at where the industry stands, revealing that the transition is not monolithic but rather a mix of rapid progress and stubborn resistance.
As the EV market continues to evolve, the actions of legacy automakers will be crucial in determining the speed and success of the transition. The survey serves as a wake-up call that while progress is being made, the industry cannot afford to let a few slow movers dictate the pace of change.
