As the electric vehicle industry races toward the “tipping point” of reaching the mass consumer market, experts predict that global demand for EVs will continue to rise in 2025, fueled by lower prices, advancements in battery technology, supportive government policies, and expanded infrastructure.
When Tesla rolled out its first electric vehicles 17 years ago, they attracted the interest of two small groups of consumers: innovators and early adopters. These were younger and curious consumers who were always drawn to new, exotic, and adventurous products like EVs and were willing to pay the high price tag attached to them.
In the early 2020s, interest in EVs spread beyond the two small groups to the “early majority,” a larger group of consumers critical to helping EVs cross the tipping point and reach the mass market.
The problem is that the early majority consists of older, more conservative consumers who are cautious and deliberate decision-makers, reluctant to pay the high price tag that comes with EVs.
Joe Giranda, a car expert and the director of sales and marketing at CFR Classic, sees global demand for EVs growing in 2025 as EVs become more affordable than in 2024, battery technology improves, and governments extend incentives.
“Many countries are also pushing for stricter emission regulations, which encourages manufacturers and buyers to embrace EVs,” he wrote in an email sent to The Epoch Times. “For example, in Europe, cities enforce zero-emission zones, making EVs practical in urban driving.”
Regarding advances in battery technology, Giranda sees companies addressing one of the biggest hurdles for EV buyers: the “range anxiety”—or fear that their vehicle won’t go far enough on a single charge.
“By 2025, advancements in battery technology will make EVs even more appealing,” he added. “Now, automakers are investing in solid-state batteries, which are safer, can charge faster, and offer longer range than current lithium-ion batteries.”
Meanwhile, he sees massive growth in infrastructure in 2025, addressing another concern for EV buyers: the inconvenience of long charging times.
“Now, we see enhanced collaboration between government and private companies to create an extensive network of charging stations, even utilizing strategic locations such as highways, urban centers, shopping malls, and residential areas, addressing the concern on charging times,” he explained.
Simon Kim, CEO and founder of Glassdome, an industrial software company, thinks that President-elect Donald Trump’s incoming administration will change the EV manufacturing landscape in several ways.
First, it will make good on the promise to bring manufacturing jobs to the United States.
“President-elect Trump recently promised fast-track permitting for companies that invest $1 billion in the U.S., and many manufacturers are undoubtedly capable of such an investment,” he said in an email to The Epoch Times.
“On the flip side, the emphasis on protectionism may hurt the EV sector, which depends on the global supply chain. In addition, reports suggest that increased tariffs and trade policy shifts could increase costs and lead to strategic changes in manufacturing.”
Second, it will induce U.S. manufacturers to become less dependent on China for specialized batteries.
“Currently, about 80 percent of lithium batteries are manufactured in China. In 2025, U.S. manufacturers will continue their push to end dependence on Chinese lithium despite challenges,” Kim said.
“Additionally, domestic lithium processing would benefit the domestic supply chain.”
The move to make battery manufacturing less dependent on China could gain global traction as the European Union pursues its regulations.
“The EU Batteries Regulation will introduce declaration requirements, performance classes, and maximum limits on the carbon footprint of electric vehicles and rechargeable industrial batteries in 2025,” Kim said.
“Manufacturers will continue to change processes and plans in the coming year as they navigate the changing regulatory climate in Europe.”
All these developments help keep the roads open for the EV industry in the new year.
However, some skeptics see a few bumps.
Peter Maithel, global automotive industry strategy lead at software company Infor, is one of them. One of these bumps is that strict emissions requirements and regulations have become increasingly challenging and unrealistic, he said.
“Despite the push for universal EV adoption, significant barriers hinder widespread acceptance, including restricted mobility options,” he explained.
“A closer examination reveals that EVs may not be as environmentally friendly as perceived, considering the environmental impact of sourcing materials for EV batteries and the challenges associated with battery disposal.”
Another bump is the Environmental Protection Agency stepping back.
“The Environmental Protection Agency is expected to unveil a revised final regulation that slows the pace of proposed yearly emissions requirements through 2030,” he added.
“This regulatory shift is anticipated to result in electric vehicles accounting for less than 60 percent of total vehicles produced by 2030, according to Reuters.”
Kaveh Vahdat, founder and president at RiseOpp, a boutique marketing agency, is another, adding a couple more bumps, like regulatory divergence, market saturation, and the possibility of ending tax credits.
“In short, 2025 will not be about whether EVs are the future—they are,” he wrote in an email sent to The Epoch Times. “The real question will be which players can align regulatory changes, consumer expectations, and innovation to maintain a competitive edge in an increasingly crowded field.”
