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2025 Industry Trends: The New Era of Electric Mobility

Written by Alivia Kasumov | Jan 27, 2025 9:35:24 PM

2025 is in full swing, so we’re taking a look at what trends and developments might be coming in the world of EVs and EV charging. In 2024, California led the charge, surpassing 2M EVs on the road and a 26.4% market share, the second highest sales share to date. With U.S. EV sales exceeding 1.3M units, due in part to aspects like lowering vehicle prices and revolutionary battery upgrades, we’re expecting 2025 to bring significant advancements in the EV industry that will continue to drive it forward. 

 

Trend #1: Charging models expand
To further simplify the EV experience, we’ll likely see the wider adoption of various emerging technologies that enhance the ease-of-use of the charging experience. One example of this is plug-and-charge technology, which immediately processes charging sessions and automates payments through the cloud. The idea with plug-and-charge is to make the charging experience more seamless, removing any extra steps of downloading apps or carrying fobs. All you do is plug in your vehicle and go, while your transaction is automated through the cloud.

Additionally, other processes will continue to emerge on top, including QR code charging, which also removes unnecessary additional steps.


Trend #2: Costs gradually decline
Certain EVs sometimes have a higher upfront price tag, although that may not be for much longer. However, the cost savings over time for an EV are substantial compared to an ICE (internal combustion engine) vehicle. This is for a number of reasons, including; immediate money saving on fuel, 40% lower maintenance costs on average, regenerative braking improving longevity, possible financial incentives from local governments, and government grants for mass installation projects. Regardless of fluctuations in energy prices, charging an EV is often cheaper than fueling with gas or diesel.

We’re already seeing the effects of realized cost savings on the EV market. According to BloombergNEF, recent battery prices for fully electric passenger cars fell below $100 per kWh for the first time. Looking forward, continued R&D investment, manufacturing improvements, and supply chain expansion will help continue reducing prices over the next decade.


Trend #3: Comfort with EV ownership increases
According to a recent survey from the Global EV Alliance, over 90% of EV drivers plan to buy another electric vehicle after trading in a gas car. Meanwhile, only 1% said they would return to an ICE vehicle. 

Additionally, we could see the next generation of electric vehicles increase an EVs range to 500 to 700 miles on a single charge, twice the range of conventional lithium ion batteries found in EVs today. This would be an important step in eliminating charge anxiety, a common barrier for some considering transitioning to an EV. 

According to a research study by Stanford University, the key to longevity of a battery is letting it stay idle. This means draining the battery, and letting it rest for several hours. This is a very simple first step to making an EVs existing battery last significantly longer.


Trend #4: Cottage industries emerge
As the electric vehicle industry matures and becomes mainstream, a comprehensive charging ecosystem is emerging, complete with specialized support industries and services. This includes not only specialized electricians and parts suppliers, but also construction designs tailored for different environments - such as shade structures for charging equipment in sun-intensive locations like Arizona. 

Given the high construction labor costs in the US, we're likely to see the emergence of cost-competitive cottage industries specifically focused on EV charging infrastructure, providing everything from networking infrastructure and calibration tools to repair services. Charging operators are increasingly seeking holistic solutions that address both the immediate charging needs and long-term protection of their equipment, taking into account factors like environmental wear and the functional lifespan of chargers.


Trend #5: Utilities introduce managed charging
As EV adoption increases, we’re seeing ‘EV hot spots’ clustering, especially noticeable in the San Francisco Bay Area. 

To address this, PG&E launched an EV “Charge Manager” program. The objective of this program is to enlist approximately 7,500 customers in specific Bay Area counties willing to earn up-front and ongoing incentives in exchange for letting the utility control when their EVs charge, therefore reducing spikes and easing electricity demands on the grid during peak hours.

Unlike time-of-use rates, managed charging adjusts EV charging patterns dynamically based on local grid conditions. Rather than having all EVs start and stop charging at preset times, this system fine-tunes individual charging speeds throughout a 24-hour period to optimize grid stability.

Successfully implementing this strategy nationwide requires utilities to tackle several challenges. First, they must anticipate EV charging ‘hot spots’ where EV adoption will cluster and potentially strain the grid. Second, they need to encourage customers to adopt charging habits that minimize expensive infrastructure improvements. Finally, they must demonstrate to regulatory bodies that investing in smart charging technology will provide meaningful returns. Although the idea is to implement similar programs throughout the country, this year we’ll likely see EV heavy states like California, Colorado, and Washington lead in the progress.

As we dive deeper into 2025, the EV landscape will continue to evolve in exciting ways. From simpler charging solutions and declining costs to improved battery technology and innovative grid management strategies, the industry is addressing key adoption barriers head-on. These developments not only make EVs more accessible and convenient for consumers but also pave the way for a more sustainable and efficient transportation future. As utilities, manufacturers, and consumers work together to embrace these changes, we're likely to see even more innovations emerge in the months ahead.