It sounds counterintuitive, but a global survey of auto manufacturing executives and suppliers to the industry say they think electric-vehicle production will grow this year, despite predicted demand flattening.
The third annual ABB Robotics outlook survey found 75% foreseeing EV production growth, nearly a third saying they believe EV production will increase by more than 10% this year. That’s despite Trump administration moves that could dampen adoption stateside.
The optimistic survey findings were released, though, before a trade war broke out in North America this week when Canada retaliated against U.S. trade tariffs, which could upend automotive production in general.
A majority of respondents are skeptical that earlier targets of 100% EV production by 2030 to 2040 will be achieved due to slower-than-expected consumer demand driven in large part by spotty charging infrastructure. Nearly a third see the targets as outright impossible to meet.
“There’s strong evidence that EV manufacturing capabilities are now considerably improved, and significant change has taken place in terms of introducing new production technology as well as upskilling workforces,” said Joerg Reger, managing director of ABB’s automotive business line, in a press release on the survey results.
Survey participants see hybrid vehicle production increasing this year for both hybrid and plug-in hybrid power trains.
