The current development in mobility, which is normalizing electric vehicles (EVs), is commendable and is enough to compel drivers to buy one, as EVs are environmentally friendly, fun to drive and are widely considered to reduce fuel and energy costs. Yet adoption of electric vehicles is not favored over combustion engine vehicles, meaning the transition could be stalled.
Let’s take a closer look at what’s actually hindering the reception of electric vehicles despite the fact that countless automakers are producing a myriad of flashy electrified vehicles, equipped with high-end and sophisticated technology.
Affordability: the biggest obstacle
First of all, you have to keep in mind that electric vehicles definitely cost a fortune, thanks to the technology underneath, its costs, and the meticulous engineering behind it. The costly aspect of low EV reception is also supported by Ashley Nunes, a senior research associate at Harvard Law School, as she says: “We looked at EV prices in the United States over 13 years, and in inflation-adjusted dollars, the average price of an EV is going up, not down. »
Despite a 25% drop in battery prices in 2024, electric vehicles still have higher upfront costs than gasoline vehicles, especially in markets where subsidies are limited or interest rates are high. According to the data, China leads in electric vehicle affordability, with two-thirds of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) sold in 2024 at a lower price than their internal combustion counterparts. Emerging markets like Thailand, Brazil and Indonesia also benefit from affordable Chinese models.
In contrast, European markets appear unhappy as they have seen an insignificant change in EV prices, with significant premiums for BEV SUVs. The United States faces similar challenges, with high prices limiting mass adoption.
Charging infrastructure
Across all regions, charging availability is another significant bottleneck, as even in countries where public networks are growing rapidly, many drivers are concerned about electric vehicle charging infrastructure. Urban apartment dwellers and households without off-street parking face significant barriers to installing home chargers, a common problem from the United States to Europe and parts of Asia.
Meanwhile, public charging is growing, but at an inconsistent pace. Some regions have implemented extensive fast-charging systems, while others rely on slow chargers or have networks prone to outages.
Even in areas where chargers are plentiful, compatibility issues, queues at peak times, and varying prices negatively affect consumer confidence.
So, for most people, the question is not just whether electric vehicles are technologically capable, but rather whether they can be practically powered.
Electric Vehicle Performance Issues
Besides the limited range of electric vehicles, another concern that continues to deter buyers is performance, a key factor when it comes to daily commuting. While drivers in colder climates worry about range degradation in winter, rural and long-haul drivers wonder whether charging stops will extend their trips.
And while modern electric vehicles perform well in most urban travel conditions, options suitable for towing, hauling large families, and heavy hauling still aren’t plentiful.
In many countries, electric vehicles are often purchased as a complement rather than a replacement. Households purchase an electric vehicle for short trips while keeping a separate gasoline vehicle for long-distance or heavy-duty needs. This treatment signals not only uncertainty, but also the limited availability of electric vehicles meeting all use cases.
Limited availability
Another obstacle to wider adoption of electric vehicles around the world is the mismatch between what consumers want and what is offered to them. Buyers looking for large SUVs, minivans or low-cost compact models have limited options when it comes to electric vehicles, and this is where China sets itself apart by offering an incredible range, from ultra-compact city cars to low-cost electric SUVs.
Despite these woes, industry analyst projections suggest a correction, as new models due through 2026 are expected to close many of these gaps. However, right now, many buyers are struggling to find an electric vehicle that fits their lifestyle, budget, or feature expectations.
Production challenges
Electric vehicle makers are adjusting their expectations as adoption appears to have slowed, and some major automakers are restricting their electric vehicle production plans, scaling back partnerships or delaying capacity expansions.
These changes are also due to slower growth in demand and in part to uncertainties related to supply chains, the development of charging networks and regulatory environments.
As auto unions and policymakers around the world prepare for an electric future, upcoming regulatory standards, particularly in Europe, will force manufacturers to expand their offerings of affordable electric vehicles.
Electric Vehicle Sales Trends
What is surprising is that global sales of electric vehicles are increasing, with varying dynamics. Markets such as the United States and Europe have seen slow growth compared to previous rates, while China and emerging markets are accelerating, thanks to lower prices and greater availability of models.
This trend has also been seen in other regions, where affordability and infrastructure have accelerated adoption.
Total sales of global electric vehicle manufacturers so far in 2025
| Manufacturer | Total electric vehicles sold/delivered in 2025 so far | Key notes |
| Tesla | 1,217,901 vehicles (Q1-Q3 2025) | World total for the first three quarters; annual total pending |
| BYD (BEV only) | 1.61 million (January-September 2025) | ~4.4 million vehicles (2025 estimate) |
| Rivien | Forecast for the whole year: 41,500 to 43,500 vehicles | |
| General engines | 144,700 electric vehicles sold in the United States in the third quarter of 2025 | Figure for the United States only, global total for 2025 not yet published |
| BMW (BEV only) | 247,025 fully electric vehicles sold worldwide (January-September 2025) | Strong global growth in BEVs; excludes PHEVs |
| Hyundai Automotive Group | ~481,000 electric vehicles (BEV + PHEV) worldwide (January-September 2025) | Hyundai + Kia combined performance |
| Volkswagen (BEV only) | 717,500 BEVs worldwide (January-September 2025) | Up 41.7% year-on-year compared to 2024 |
| Ford | 108,185 electric vehicles worldwide (January-September 2025) | Based on regional reports, no single global distribution |
| Zeekr | 165,346 electric vehicles sold worldwide (January-October 2025) | Rapid global expansion, strong performance in premium electric vehicle segment |
| Xiaomi | ~257,171 electric vehicles (Q1-Q3 2025) | Fastest growing new entrant in 2025, driven by SU7 series |
| Geely (NEV only) | More than 725,000 NEV (January-June 2025) | Annual objective: 3 million |
What is the future of electric vehicles?
Despite setbacks such as unbearable prices, insufficient charging infrastructure and limited performance, the global electric vehicle transition is nevertheless progressing and more affordable models are on the horizon.
Competition in battery technology is also intensifying and infrastructure networks are expanding year by year. With these elements combined, the obstacles holding back electric vehicle drivers will gradually, most likely, diminish.
For now, the electric vehicle landscape is characterized by uneven progress and is not fully ready to cater to all types of drivers around the world.
