Legacy automakers across the United States, Japan, and Europe risk losing ground in the global electric vehicle (EV) race as newer players and Chinese manufacturers accelerate their transition to electrification, according to the latest Global Automaker Rating released by the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT).
The report highlights that EVs accounted for one in four new vehicles sold globally in 2025, up from one in five in 2024, reflecting continued momentum in the industry’s shift toward zero-emission mobility.
All-electric manufacturers Tesla and BYD retained the top positions in the rankings, although BYD surpassed Tesla in global battery-electric vehicle sales for the second consecutive year. Chinese automakers including SAIC, Geely, and ChangAn also emerged as strong performers, with EV sales shares increasing significantly and, in some cases, exceeding 50% of total sales.
In contrast, several legacy manufacturers struggled to maintain pace. Stellantis, Honda, and General Motors experienced notable declines in their ratings after revising downward their 2030 EV targets. Many traditional automakers, particularly in the U.S. and Japan, have shifted focus toward plug-in hybrid vehicles and sought more regulatory flexibility.
The report noted that Chinese companies such as Geely and SAIC outperformed their own electrification goals ahead of schedule, while Great Wall was the only Chinese automaker to fall into the “laggard” category due to a stronger emphasis on hybrid vehicles.
Researchers warned that the gap between industry leaders and slower-moving manufacturers is widening. Reduced long-term investments in electrification among some legacy companies could weaken their competitiveness in key markets.
Meanwhile, emerging EV-focused brands including VinFast, Togg, and Rivian are gaining opportunities to expand as consumer demand for electric mobility grows worldwide.
The ICCT report also highlighted that many U.S. and Japan-based automakers continue to offer electric models in fewer than one-third of vehicle segments analyzed, limiting their ability to compete in an increasingly electrified market.
As the global transition to zero-emission transportation accelerates, the report suggests that automakers unwilling to fully embrace electrification risk ceding market leadership to more agile and innovative competitors.
