Automotive producers worldwide are displaying rising confidence of their capacity to construct electrical autos effectively and at scale, in accordance with ABB Robotics’ newest Automotive Manufacturing Outlook Survey, as EV manufacturing turns into a extra established and predictable manufacturing self-discipline.
“This yr’s survey presents a extra constructive image of EV manufacturing than we’ve got seen in earlier years,” mentioned Joerg Reger, managing director of ABB Robotics automotive enterprise line.
“Key indicators akin to manufacturing time, price and integration present that EV manufacturing is more and more turning into a identified amount.
“That is supported by sustained funding in automation, akin to ABB Robotics’ delivering extra autonomous and versatile robotics (AVRTM), able to making a leap in productiveness and adaptability by combining key expertise to autonomously plan and independently carry out various, complicated duties in actual time.”
The worldwide survey, performed in partnership with Automotive Manufacturing Options, exhibits that producers in all main areas count on EV output to rise in 2026 in contrast with 2025, signaling continued dedication to electrification on the manufacturing degree regardless of uneven shopper demand in some markets.
Confidence has additionally improved across the sensible supply of EV applications. Fifty-one % of respondents say EVs and their key elements at the moment are simpler to fabricate than a yr in the past, in contrast with simply eight % who consider they’ve turn into more durable to construct.
This implies that EV meeting processes have gotten quicker, extra secure and fewer disruptive as expertise grows, supported by developments in automation.
Value developments reinforce this image. Greater than 4 in ten respondents (41 %) report that EV manufacturing prices have decreased over the previous 12 months, whereas an additional 39 % say prices have remained secure. Solely 21 % report rising prices, pointing to bettering effectivity as EV platforms and provide chains mature.
Nonetheless, the survey additionally highlights a measured, demand-led method to powertrain technique. Whereas EV manufacturing is predicted to proceed growing, producers predict even stronger progress in hybrid powertrain manufacturing over the identical interval.
This means that many producers view hybrid applied sciences as an necessary stepping stone, enabling them to stability electrification ambitions with real-world buyer demand and operational flexibility.
“Producers are not asking whether or not they can construct EVs – they’re targeted on tips on how to construct them effectively, profitably and alongside different powertrains,” added Reger. “Funding in robotics, automation and versatile manufacturing is a key driver behind this rising confidence, serving to producers scale EV output whereas remaining attentive to altering market circumstances.”
As EV manufacturing continues to evolve, the survey findings level to an trade that’s steadily changing ambition into operational confidence, underpinned by automation-led approaches to effectivity, flexibility and long-term competitiveness.
This yr’s survey gathered insights from 473 automotive trade decision-makers representing automobile producers and suppliers throughout the worth chain worldwide.
