Automakers Overcommitted to EVs: Bad Idea, Says Bosch Chief Tech Officer

Mathias Pillin, Chief Technology Officer at Bosch Mobility, has warned that global carmakers may have gone too far in their rush to electrification. He argues that manufacturers have created too many isolated solutions instead of building coordinated, scalable systems, and that the industry is now facing the consequences of this overcommitment.

Concerns About Overcommitment to EVs

Pillin said the industry pursued electric vehicle plans aggressively without fully considering the limits of charging infrastructure, consumer readiness, and costs. The phrase he used, “too many solitaires,” highlights the fact that most companies have followed their own individual approaches rather than agreeing on shared standards. This lack of alignment risks market fragmentation and consumer confusion.

His remarks matter because Bosch supplies components to nearly every major automaker. The company has a vantage point across markets and technologies, giving its leadership a clearer sense of industry-wide challenges than many single carmakers.

EV Adoption Slower Than Expected

Several manufacturers are already scaling back their ambitious EV targets. Adoption rates are below earlier projections despite incentives and subsidies. Buyers remain cautious because of higher purchase prices, limited model availability, and anxiety around charging.

Even in markets with government support, many customers prefer hybrids or efficient petrol vehicles over full EVs. This mismatch between industry planning and consumer behaviour supports Pillin’s view that the sector may have pushed too hard, too quickly.

EV Charging Infrastructure Lags Behind

One of the main bottlenecks is the charging network. In many countries, there are not enough chargers to match the growing number of EVs. Where chargers do exist, differences in protocols, power ratings, and connectors make life more complicated for buyers. This lack of standardisation increases costs for operators and creates uncertainty for consumers.

The problem is compounded by regional variations. What works in Europe does not necessarily fit the needs of India or the US. The result is a patchwork of systems, further proof of the “solitaire” approach.

Cost Pressures Mount for EV Makers

Beyond adoption and infrastructure, EV manufacturing itself is a challenge. Building electric cars requires heavy investments in battery technology, new factories, and updated supply chains. These costs are not always justified by current demand levels. Companies that pledged to go all-electric quickly now face pressure to deliver profits in a slow-moving market.

This overcommitment has also made the industry more vulnerable to supply chain risks. Shortages of critical minerals like lithium and cobalt, or dependence on limited suppliers, add further uncertainty.

Lack of Common Standards

Battery technology is a prime example of the fragmented approach. Each manufacturer has invested in its own battery chemistry, packaging, and management systems. Similarly, charging interfaces and vehicle software differ widely between brands. These proprietary systems may lock customers into a single brand ecosystem but make industry-wide progress slower and more expensive.

Standardisation could reduce costs and increase consumer confidence, but that would require greater collaboration, something the industry has so far struggled to achieve.

A More Balanced Path Forward

Pillin’s comments add to the growing sense that the auto sector needs a more balanced approach. Instead of putting all resources into EVs, many manufacturers are now reconsidering parallel investments in hybrids and improved internal combustion engines. This hedging strategy allows them to serve markets where EV adoption is moving slowly while still preparing for long-term electrification.

For now, the warning is clear. Overcommitment to EVs without the right infrastructure, standards, and consumer readiness risks creating problems for both manufacturers and customers. The challenge is to shift from isolated strategies to coordinated solutions that can support sustainable growth.