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Rating the world’s top automakers’ EV programs: Delays and resets abound

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Rating the world’s top automakers’ EV programs: Delays and resets abound

South Korean giant Hyundai-Kia-Genesis has been remarkably consistent in its EV development and production. It’s a non-factor in pickup sales and a minor player in the luxury market, but underestimate this group at your own risk.

Every other global mass-market manufacturer’s EV strategy has stumbled or stalled at some point.

Here is a look at where other EV makers are with these vehicles.

Ford

A leader to market in the US with the F-150 Lightning pickup and sporty Mustang  Mach-E, repeated delays and strategy changes have cost Ford momentum. Access to Tesla’s charging network should help.

General Motors

After early stumbles, GM’s EV rollout appears to be hitting its stride, with vehicles on sale from three different brands, ranging from the most popular segments to high-end luxury

Honda-Acura

A late-comer, Honda’s two current EVs — the Honda Prologue and Acura ZDX — are built by GM and use GM technology. Honda’s internally developed EVs have yet to hit the market, but the automaker is investing heavily in them.

Hyundai-Kia-Genesis

The South Korean giant has avoided major missteps and has a steady rollout of new vehicles coming in popular segments. Look for it to cash in when a massive battery plant in Georgia widens its access to tax credits.

Renault-Nissan

An early leader in affordable EVs, Nissan’s progress has stalled as internecine disputes with alliance partner Renault distract management. Renault offers a range of EVs, but lacks true global reach and breadth of product range without the full support of Japanese associates Nissan and Mitsubishi.

More: You can trust Rivian to survive if you buy one of its EVs

Stellantis

Created in 2021, the newbie giant is still getting its global operations on the same page. Its European brands offer a variety of EVs, but its more profitable North American Ram and Jeep brands are laggards. High-profile vehicles debuting later this year could change that.

Toyota

The world’s largest automaker and leader in hybrid sales has frequently seemed ambivalent about EVs. Neither of its current electric vehicles — Toyota BZ4x and Lexus RZ — has been received eagerly.

Volkswagen

An early leader, VW’s EVs have met modest success. It recently turned to startup Rivian after internal programs to develop vital systems and software failed.

Contact Mark Phelan: 313-222-6731 or mmphelan@freepress.com. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter, @mark_phelan. Read more on autos and sign up for our autos newsletter. Become a subscriber.

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