The Electric Vehicle (EV) industry experienced a rollercoaster year in 2025, marked by both promising milestones and ominous warning signs. On one hand, new models like the Lucid Gravity and refreshed Nissan Leaf hit the market, offering compelling options for consumers. The Nissan Leaf, in particular, made its mark with a starting price comparable to its internal combustion engine counterparts.
On the other hand, 2025 was also marred by intense anti-EV sentiment, particularly during the tumultuous election cycle. This sentiment turned the EV into a de facto political statement, with manufacturers' offerings taking on new connotations that transcended mere product choice.
One of the most striking developments in this context was Elon Musk's foray into politics, particularly his endorsement of cryptocurrency Dogecoin (DOGE) and his subsequent visit to the White House. Musk's actions had a profound impact on Tesla's stock price, which plummeted nearly half between January and March 2025.
Despite these challenges, EV sales did experience a notable spike in the final quarter of the year, thanks in part to a limited-time federal incentive program that expired at the end of September. This surge was largely driven by manufacturers' efforts to capitalize on the remaining demand before the credits disappeared.
However, early indications for Q4 2025 are less encouraging, with J.D. Power reporting a significant decline in EV sales to just 5.2% of new vehicle purchases in October, following the expiration of the incentive program. This drop has already had an impact on manufacturers' product planning.
As some companies scale back their EV ambitions, others continue to invest heavily in battery-powered technology. Honda, for instance, has canceled plans to release a range of electric vehicles in the US market and instead will focus on hybrid models. Meanwhile, Rivian is poised to launch its highly anticipated R2 electric SUV next year, with a starting price that makes it more accessible to a wider audience.
In Europe, EV sales have been experiencing a remarkable rebound since Germany's incentive program expired in 2023. The country's road traffic agency has reported a nearly 50% increase in new registrations for electric vehicles over the past year, driven in part by rising consumer demand and declining concerns about the industry's viability.
While it is impossible to predict exactly how the EV market will unfold in 2026, one thing is certain: the coming year promises to be filled with exciting developments, innovations, and perhaps a few surprises.
On the other hand, 2025 was also marred by intense anti-EV sentiment, particularly during the tumultuous election cycle. This sentiment turned the EV into a de facto political statement, with manufacturers' offerings taking on new connotations that transcended mere product choice.
One of the most striking developments in this context was Elon Musk's foray into politics, particularly his endorsement of cryptocurrency Dogecoin (DOGE) and his subsequent visit to the White House. Musk's actions had a profound impact on Tesla's stock price, which plummeted nearly half between January and March 2025.
Despite these challenges, EV sales did experience a notable spike in the final quarter of the year, thanks in part to a limited-time federal incentive program that expired at the end of September. This surge was largely driven by manufacturers' efforts to capitalize on the remaining demand before the credits disappeared.
However, early indications for Q4 2025 are less encouraging, with J.D. Power reporting a significant decline in EV sales to just 5.2% of new vehicle purchases in October, following the expiration of the incentive program. This drop has already had an impact on manufacturers' product planning.
As some companies scale back their EV ambitions, others continue to invest heavily in battery-powered technology. Honda, for instance, has canceled plans to release a range of electric vehicles in the US market and instead will focus on hybrid models. Meanwhile, Rivian is poised to launch its highly anticipated R2 electric SUV next year, with a starting price that makes it more accessible to a wider audience.
In Europe, EV sales have been experiencing a remarkable rebound since Germany's incentive program expired in 2023. The country's road traffic agency has reported a nearly 50% increase in new registrations for electric vehicles over the past year, driven in part by rising consumer demand and declining concerns about the industry's viability.
While it is impossible to predict exactly how the EV market will unfold in 2026, one thing is certain: the coming year promises to be filled with exciting developments, innovations, and perhaps a few surprises.
thinking about the state of the EV industry in 2025 
it's like, one day you're all excited about new models and incentives, and the next you're dealing with this intense anti-EV sentiment 
that's got me wondering if we'll ever see a world where cars aren't a status symbol 
like, what is he even doing at the White House?! 
I mean, I get it, Dogecoin and all that jazz, but come on, dude, be serious for once! And now Tesla's stock price has taken a hit because of it? 
like, what's next, will he start endorsing cryptocurrency for the Oval Office?! 
Rivian's R2 electric SUV is literally going to change the game 
and Honda being all like "nah, we're good" with their hybrid plans? 
like, what's going on with these sales numbers?! Did everyone just forget about EVs or something?! 
And what's with the politics getting so messy over EVs? Can't we just agree that they're better for the planet? 
And can we talk about how ridiculous it is that people are still complaining about the price of EVs compared to gas-guzzlers? Like, what's next? Paying more for a house than an apartment because of some arbitrary standard? 
Anyway, I'm glad Honda is scaling back their EV plans... not because I think they're doing anything wrong, but because it's kinda sad that they're giving up on this. On the other hand, Rivian is about to drop its R2 electric SUV and I. AM. SO. EXCITED 
. I mean, who needs politics to influence their car buying decisions? And Elon Musk's foray into politics is definitely a wild card 
- his Tesla stock price took a major hit just because he endorsed Dogecoin.
. But now it seems like those credits are gone, and with them, some manufacturers' product plans have been put on hold 
.
. And it's great to hear that Europe is bouncing back from its own incentive program expiration - 50% increase in new electric vehicle registrations? That's some impressive rebounding 
. Bring on 2026!
. That's like quitting a healthy diet just 'cause the gym membership is up for renewal 
. We need more consistency in our sustainability goals.
. I'm all for innovation, but not when it comes at the expense of responsible business practices 
. Can't we just focus on making EVs more affordable and accessible to everyone without having to become politicians too 
?
. We need more of that kind of enthusiasm and investment in sustainable energy.
!
That's like, a steal compared to those Lucid Gravity models 
. And can we talk about Honda cancelling their EV plans in the US? Like, what's going on over there?! 
. And let's be real, who doesn't love saving money on gas prices? 
So yeah, I'm hyped for what 2026 brings - more range, better prices, and maybe even some game-changing tech 
We've got these incredible new models that are making waves, but at the same time, we're seeing some pretty worrying signs too... like how the anti-EV sentiment was so intense during the election cycle... it's like people were putting their money on a different kind of horse. And then you've got Elon Musk, just going off script with Dogecoin and the White House visit... it's like he's trying to stir up some chaos 