Editorial –Winter/Spring 2025, Powertrain International
The Evolving Landscape of Electrified Autonomous Vehicles (EAVs)
Throughout these editorials, we’ve consistently explored trends in automotive propulsion, particularly long before the public fully grasped the implications of electrified autonomous vehicles (EAVs). Now, with 5G technology advancing rapidly in broadband markets, EAVs are becoming more of a reality than ever before. As these vehicles—Level 2, Level 3, and even Level 4—capture the public’s attention and increasingly enter consumers’ lives, it’s worth putting things into perspective.
First, while much has been discussed about the business case for EAVs—particularly Level 5—it’s undeniably satisfying to see products in high demand, even if that demand represents just a small percentage of the market. Whether or not the buying decisions are seen as entirely rational, it’s hard to ignore the thrill of having customers eagerly awaiting your product, willing to pay a premium, and not hesitating to buy even with long waiting times. On the other hand, it’s disheartening to have products sitting unsold on dealership lots, forcing manufacturers to offer deep discounts or invest heavily in advertising just to convince consumers that they need a product they initially didn’t want.
Second, it’s clear that the reasons people buy EAVs are diverse. Some see it as a chance to hop on the latest trend, while others believe they are reducing fuel costs and being responsible environmental stewards. However, many who initially calculated savings based on estimated fuel economy may now find themselves with a more nuanced understanding of the EPA’s mpg ratings versus their real-world driving experience. It’s a reminder that the true value of EAVs isn’t always what we expect.
Third, many consumers are unwilling to sacrifice driving performance, insisting that their EAVs must deliver on power and comfort—regardless of the trade-off in fuel economy. These factors highlight the complexity of personal choice in the automotive market, and while they’re not an argument for or against the value of EAVs, they underscore how diverse consumer needs can be.
Looking ahead, we may not know whether Level 5 electric autonomous vehicles will capture 1% or 10% of the market by 2030, but one thing is clear: electric vehicles (EVs) are here to stay. And, unsurprisingly, China is leading the charge globally in this transition.
The integration of 5G, autonomy, and electric propulsion will reshape our expectations of the automotive landscape in the coming decade. One thing is certain: the market share of traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles and non-autonomous cars will shrink, while the world of automotive innovation will become even more complex—and exciting. Stay tuned!
M. Nasim Uddin, PhD
Editor-in-Chief