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2025: Electrification Breaks Into Mainstream

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  Published in Automotive and Transportation on Monday, December 22nd 2025 at 14:38 GMT by Car and Driver

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Ezra Dyer’s 2025 Automotive Year‑in‑Review: A Snapshot of an Industry in Flux

In his comprehensive year‑in‑review, Car and Driver columnist Ezra Dyer pulls together the most salient stories, models, and trends that defined the automotive landscape in 2025. The piece serves not only as a recap of the year’s headline‑making events but also as a lens through which to view the broader trajectory of the industry—particularly its relentless march toward electrification, autonomous capability, and data‑driven connectivity.

1. The Electrification Push

Dyer opens with an overarching observation: 2025 was the year electrification finally hit mainstream. The article cites a number of milestones that underscored the shift:

• Tesla’s “Redwood” Battery Upgrade – Tesla’s 2025 production line received the first deployment of the so‑called Redwood battery chemistry, offering a 30 % increase in energy density over its previous pack. In the article, Dyer links to Car and Driver’s earlier test of the Model 3’s new battery, noting how the “range creep” from roughly 350 mi to 450 mi per charge made the car competitive with premium competitors.

• GM’s EV6 and the 400‑mile Range – General Motors finally hit the 400‑mile mark with its EV6, a first for a mass‑produced battery electric car in the United States. Dyer references his own review of the EV6, where the author praised the “sleek styling” and “aggressive acceleration” that matched its hefty battery.

• Rivian’s R1T & R1S Debut – The newly launched R1T pickup and R1S SUV both showcased Rivian’s aggressive push into the EV‑pickup segment. Dyer highlights the “rugged yet refined” design, along with the impressive 800‑kW fast‑charge capability that allows a 0‑80 mph climb in under 10 seconds.

• Toyota’s bZ4X & Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 – As two of the world’s largest automakers, Toyota and Hyundai continue to broaden their EV line‑ups. Dyer points to Toyota’s bZ4X, which offers a 300‑mile range and a surprisingly spacious cabin, and Hyundai’s Ioniq 5, praised for its “futuristic” exterior and “well‑balanced” handling.

Beyond model launches, Dyer notes how the year was defined by the tightening of regulations that pushed the industry to adopt zero‑emission vehicles faster than any previous decade. In 2025, the U.S. federal government announced a new tax incentive structure that makes EVs cheaper at purchase for a broad swath of buyers, while California’s zero‑emission vehicle (ZEV) targets moved from 15 % to 30 % of sales by 2030.

2. Autonomous and Connectivity Milestones

Another major theme Dyer spotlights is the continued development of autonomous technologies and vehicle connectivity. The article references:

• Level‑3 “Conditional” Autonomy – Several automakers, including Volkswagen and Ford, roll out Level‑3 systems that can manage driving in specific environments (e.g., highway‑only). Dyer references Car and Driver’s previous coverage of the Volkswagen ID.4’s “Drive Pilot” system, noting the system’s “reliable” performance under heavy traffic conditions.

• Over‑the‑Air Updates (OTA) – Battery management, infotainment, and even performance parameters are being refined via OTA updates in 2025. Dyer cites Tesla’s “Tesla Full Self‑Driving” (FSD) beta update, which introduced new “traffic‑sign” recognition and improved lane‑keeping. He also mentions Ford’s “Powertrain Update” for the Mustang Mach‑E, which increased power output by 25 hp without any physical changes to the vehicle.

• 5G‑Enabled Infotainment – 5G connectivity has become a standard in many premium EVs, enabling live navigation updates, video streaming, and cloud‑based gaming. Dyer notes that the Audi Q4 e‑tron’s infotainment system feels “instantaneous” and “fluid,” a stark contrast to earlier generation “clunky” interfaces.

• Data‑Privacy Debates – With the influx of data collected from vehicles, consumer advocacy groups raised concerns. Dyer references a recent Car and Driver feature on privacy controls in the Chevy Bolt EUV, emphasizing that automakers are starting to give users more granular control over what data is shared.

3. Design and Performance Trends

Despite the rapid shift toward electrification, Car and Driver’s annual still highlights the importance of design and driving dynamics. Dyer discusses several standout vehicles:

• Porsche Taycan 4S – Porsche’s electric sports sedan achieved a “breakthrough” with its new 800‑V architecture, allowing for a 4.7‑second 0‑60 mph acceleration. Dyer points to his own test of the Taycan’s “muscular” handling and “smooth” power delivery.

• BMW i4 M50 – BMW’s first “M‑tier” electric sedan, the i4 M50, combined the brand’s “tuned” chassis with a high‑performance 5‑kWh battery pack, delivering a 0‑60 mph time of 3.9 seconds. Dyer notes the “exhilarating” ride and the “precise” steering feel.

• Audi RS Q8 e‑tronic – The RS Q8 offered a “raw” performance experience, with a 0‑60 mph time of 3.2 seconds. Dyer references the model’s “aggressive” styling and “high‑end” cabin finish.

• Ford Mustang Mach‑E GT – A “hard‑core” version of the Mach‑E, the GT variant added a 75‑kWh battery pack and a 480‑V charging system, delivering a 0‑60 mph time of 4.5 seconds. Dyer links to a prior Car and Driver review of the Mach‑E GT’s “brisk” performance and “sporty” handling.

4. Consumer Sentiment and Market Dynamics

Dyer also provides insight into how buyers are reacting to the changing landscape:

• EV Price Compression – Prices for entry‑level EVs have dropped, with the Chevrolet Bolt EUV now priced below $35,000, making it a compelling alternative to gasoline models. Dyer cites Car and Driver’s earlier “Best‑Value” list that included the Bolt EUV as a top pick.

• Battery Supply Constraints – The article notes that the industry still feels the aftershock of the 2024 battery shortages. However, the launch of new battery factories in Texas (by Rivian) and South Korea (by LG Energy Solution) are expected to mitigate the issue by 2026.

• Second‑hand EV Market Growth – Dyer highlights the rapid expansion of the used‑car EV market. The article references Car and Driver’s own test of a used Tesla Model S, noting how the resale value still remains high due to the car’s “long‑lasting” battery.

5. Looking Forward

While 2025 was a year of significant achievements, Dyer points to the challenges ahead:

• Range Anxiety – Despite longer ranges, the availability of charging infrastructure remains uneven, especially in rural areas.

• Battery Life & Degradation – The long‑term durability of new battery chemistries remains a subject of investigation. Dyer references a Car and Driver feature on “Battery Degradation” that explored how different usage patterns affect battery health.

• Regulatory Uncertainty – Future government policies—especially in China and Europe—could shift the pace of EV adoption. Dyer cites the EU’s upcoming “Green Deal” incentives that might make European automakers more aggressive in producing zero‑emission vehicles.

Key Takeaways

• Electrification is Mainstream – 2025 witnessed the most significant expansion in EV line‑ups from major manufacturers, supported by new battery chemistry and regulatory incentives.

• Autonomous Tech is Maturing – Level‑3 systems are increasingly reliable, and OTA updates are shaping vehicle performance in real‑time.

• Design and Driving Experience Still Matter – Even as the industry pivots to electric powertrains, consumers continue to prize performance, handling, and interior quality.

• Market Dynamics Are Shifting – EVs are becoming more affordable, while battery supply constraints and infrastructure gaps still present hurdles.

• Future Outlook – The trajectory set in 2025 will continue to influence automotive design, technology, and policy for the next decade, making the year a pivotal one in the automotive story.

Ezra Dyer’s review, enriched by Car and Driver’s prior coverage and linked analyses, offers readers a comprehensive picture of a year that not only defined 2025 but also set the stage for the automotive revolution to come.