What car companies are doing with electric vehicles right now

Major automakers are shifting production toward electric vehicles (EVs) because fuel economy rules are tightening, battery costs have dropped, and consumer demand is growing. Companies like Tesla, General Motors, Ford, Volkswagen, and Hyundai now sell electric models alongside or instead of gas-powered cars. Some, like Volkswagen and General Motors, have announced plans to stop making new gas-only vehicles within the next 10 to 15 years. Others, like Toyota and Honda, are moving more slowly, focusing on hybrid technology first.

The shift is not uniform across companies or countries. In Europe, stricter emissions rules are pushing faster adoption. In the United States, federal tax credits and state incentives are making EVs cheaper for buyers. In China, where battery manufacturing is concentrated, companies like BYD and NIO are leading the market. Understanding where each company stands helps you see what models are available now and what might be coming.

Key Takeaways

  • Traditional automakers like Ford, General Motors, and Volkswagen are investing billions in EV production and plan to phase out gas-only vehicles over the next decade.
  • Tesla remains the largest EV maker by sales volume, but its market share is shrinking as more companies release competing models.
  • Battery supply and manufacturing capacity are the main constraints on how fast companies can scale up EV production.
  • Used EV prices and battery warranties vary significantly between manufacturers, so comparing total cost matters more than purchase price alone.
  • Charging infrastructure partnerships are becoming a competitive advantage, with some companies building or funding their own networks.

Which companies make electric vehicles and where they stand

Tesla remains the largest EV manufacturer by volume, but its share of the global market has fallen from over 60 percent in 2020 to around 20 percent today as other companies enter the market. Tesla makes the Model 3, Model Y, Model S, and Model X, and builds factories in the United States, Germany, and China.

General Motors has committed to an all-electric future and now sells the Chevy Bolt EV, Bolt EUV, GMC Hummer EV, and Cadillac Lyriq. Ford offers the Mustang Mach-E and F-150 Lightning (an electric pickup). Volkswagen Group, which owns Audi, Porsche, and Skoda, has launched the ID.4, ID.5, and ID. Buzz. Hyundai and its sister company Kia sell the Ioniq 5, Ioniq 6, EV6, and Niro EV.

BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi all have multiple EV models on the market. Toyota and Honda have been slower to commit, focusing instead on hybrid and hydrogen fuel-cell technology, though both now offer plug-in hybrids and pure electric models. Chinese companies like BYD, NIO, and Li Auto are major players in their home market but have limited presence in North America and Europe so far.

How battery supply shapes what companies can build

The biggest constraint on EV production is not engineering or design—it is battery supply. Lithium, cobalt, and nickel must be mined and refined, then assembled into battery packs. This process takes years to scale up, and most battery manufacturing happens in China, South Korea, and increasingly in the United States and Europe.

Companies are responding by signing long-term contracts with battery makers, investing in their own battery plants, and diversifying suppliers. General Motors is building battery plants with LG Energy Solution. Ford is partnering with SK Innovation and Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. (CATL). Volkswagen is building its own battery factories across Europe. These moves take years to pay off, which is why many companies still cannot make EVs as cheaply as gas cars.

Battery costs have fallen from over $1,000 per kilowatt-hour in 2010 to around $130 to $150 per kilowatt-hour today, depending on the source and chemistry. This drop is why EVs are becoming price-competitive with gas cars, but the supply chain remains the limiting factor on how many vehicles companies can produce.

Pricing and how it compares across brands

EV prices vary widely depending on size, range, and brand. A base Chevy Bolt EV starts around $26,500 before incentives. A Tesla Model 3 starts around $38,000. A Volkswagen ID.4 starts around $38,000. A Ford Mustang Mach-E starts around $41,000. A Hyundai Ioniq 5 starts around $41,000. Luxury models from BMW, Mercedes, and Audi cost $60,000 and up.

Federal tax credits in the United States can reduce the price by up to $7,500 if the vehicle and buyer meet certain requirements. Some states offer additional rebates. Many companies also offer lease options, which can be cheaper than buying if you drive fewer than 12,000 miles per year and want to avoid battery degradation concerns.

Total cost of ownership—purchase price plus fuel, maintenance, and repairs—often favors EVs because electricity is cheaper than gasoline and EVs have fewer moving parts. However, battery replacement outside warranty can be expensive, ranging from $5,000 to $20,000 depending on the vehicle. Most manufacturers offer 8-year or 100,000-mile battery warranties, though this varies.

How companies are building charging networks

Charging infrastructure is no longer just a government or utility problem—it is a competitive advantage. Tesla built its own Supercharger network, which now has over 50,000 stations worldwide. Other companies are partnering with existing networks or building their own. General Motors partnered with EVgo and Ultium Charge to expand access. Ford partnered with Electrify America. Volkswagen is investing in Electrify America and building its own network in Europe.

Companies are also offering home charging equipment and installation as part of the purchase. Some include free charging credits for a set period. These partnerships matter because charging speed and availability directly affect how useful an EV is to the buyer. A car that takes 30 minutes to charge at a public station is more practical than one that takes two hours, and a network with stations near highways and in cities is more useful than one with gaps.

What happens to gas-powered cars as companies shift

As companies move production toward EVs, gas-only models are being discontinued. General Motors stopped making the Chevy Cruze and is phasing out sedans. Ford stopped making most gas-only cars and is focusing on trucks and SUVs, many of which now have electric versions. Volkswagen is discontinuing gas-only models in Europe but keeping them longer in other markets.

This does not mean gas cars will disappear overnight. Used gas cars will remain on the market for decades, and some companies will keep making them in markets where demand is still high or regulations are less strict. However, the trend is clear: new car production is shifting toward electric, and the number of gas-only models available for purchase will shrink over time.

How to think about buying an EV from different companies

If you are considering an EV, compare not just the purchase price but the total package: range per charge, charging speed, warranty length, available incentives, and whether the company has a charging network or partnership. A cheaper car that charges slowly or has limited warranty coverage may cost more over time than a more expensive car with faster charging and longer protection.

Research the company's track record with customer service and battery reliability. Some companies have had issues with battery degradation or software problems; others have strong reputations. Read owner reviews and check warranty terms carefully. Also consider whether the company is likely to be around in 10 years—a startup with a single model faces different risks than an established automaker with multiple models and global operations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which car company makes the most reliable electric vehicles?

Reliability data is still limited because most EVs have been on the road for fewer than 10 years. Tesla has the longest track record, but owners report mixed experiences with build quality and customer service. Traditional automakers like Hyundai, Kia, and Volkswagen have strong reputations for reliability in their gas vehicles, and early data suggests their EVs are holding up well. Check owner forums and warranty terms for the specific model you are considering.

Can I charge an EV from any company at any public charging station?

Not always. Tesla's Supercharger network was proprietary until recently, though Tesla is now opening it to other brands. Most other public networks use the CCS or CHAdeMO standard, which most non-Tesla EVs can use. However, connector types and payment systems vary by network and region. Before buying, check which networks operate near your home and workplace.

Are used electric vehicles from major companies worth buying?

Used EVs can offer good value because battery costs have fallen and companies are making better, cheaper models. However, battery degradation is real—most EV batteries lose 2 to 3 percent of capacity per year. Check the vehicle's battery health report and remaining warranty. A used EV with 60,000 miles and a strong warranty may be a better deal than a newer model with less protection.

Why do some car companies still focus on hybrids instead of pure electric vehicles?

Hybrids are a middle ground that reduces emissions and fuel consumption without requiring a new charging infrastructure or long-range battery. Companies like Toyota and Honda argue that hybrids are more practical for buyers who cannot install home charging or live in areas with limited public charging. However, most major automakers now see hybrids as a transition technology and are investing heavily in pure electric vehicles.

What happens to my warranty if I buy an EV from a company that stops making cars?

Warranties are typically honored by the parent company or a designated successor, even if the brand is discontinued. However, finding service can become difficult if the company closes dealerships. Before buying from a smaller or newer EV company, research whether it is backed by a larger automaker or has committed to long-term service support.