Cambio en el sector automotriz en 2025: los vehículos eléctricos se desaceleran, las tarifas aumentan y surgen nuevos participantes

2025 has been a year of transformation for the automotive industry. From shifting EV demand and rising tariffs to strategic pivots by major automakers, the landscape has changed in significant ways. For investors and market watchers, the year's developments highlight both the challenges and the opportunities that lie ahead in a sector still adapting to rapid change.

The EV Winter: A Sobering Reality

The electric vehicle market, once seen as a sure bet for future growth, has faced a reality check in 2025. Tesla, for instance, saw its U.S. sales drop by nearly 9% year-over-year — a sharp contrast to the explosive growth seen just a few years ago. The slowdown is attributed to a mix of factors, including the expiration of the EV tax credit, rising prices, and the fact that most EVs still fall into the premium segment, limiting their broad appeal.

Ford and General Motors, both of which had heavily invested in electrification, have had to scale back their EV strategies. Ford took a $19.5 billion charge on its EV projects after demand fell short of expectations. Meanwhile, GM has

cut its EV investments and shifted focus back to internal combustion engines and hybrids. Both automakers have seen stronger stock performance than Tesla this year — a sign that investors may be losing patience with the EV-only bet.

Tariffs and Trade Tensions

Trade policies have played a major role in reshaping the auto landscape in 2025. The U.S. Department of Commerce has announced plans to gather feedback from stakeholders on whether to expand the scope of sectoral tariffs to include more auto parts. The U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) has also been under scrutiny, with some industry players urging the U.S. to tread carefully in renegotiations to avoid undermining the deal's existing benefits.

Meanwhile, Mexico has responded in kind, proposing tariffs of 5% to 50% on over 1,400 products from countries without free trade agreements. Border blockades and delays in freight movement have added to the tension, highlighting the growing risks of over-reliance on cross-border supply chains.

Hydrogen and the Future of Mobility

While EVs have faced headwinds, hydrogen-powered vehicles are gaining new attention. The Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) market is expected to grow from $2.79 billion in 2024 to $45.42 billion by 2033, driven by demand in commercial and heavy-duty applications. Companies like Johnson Matthey have invested in hydrogen internal combustion engine (H₂ICE) testing centers, signaling a growing interest in hydrogen as an alternative fuel.

Meanwhile, FuelCell Energy reported strong demand from data centers, with the company aiming to scale production to 100 MW annually. Hydrogen's role in the future of mobility may not replace EVs, but it's becoming an increasingly viable option, particularly for long-haul and commercial use.

New Entrants and Strategic Shifts

The auto sector is also seeing new players and strategies emerge. American Drive Acquisition Company completed a $230 million IPO on Nasdaq, signaling a growing appetite for new business models in the industry. Meanwhile, traditional players like Midas International are expanding their reach through acquisitions, such as the recent purchase of Max Auto Supply Company.

The rise of AI and automation is also reshaping the sector. From consulting firms leveraging AI to the growing use of agentic AI in financial services, technology is playing a growing role in how companies operate — a trend that is likely to continue into 2026.

What This Means for Investors

For investors, 2025 has been a year of both caution and opportunity. The EV market, once the darling of Wall Street, has faced significant headwinds, but traditional automakers like Ford and GM have outperformed in both stock price and profitability. This shift suggests that investors are becoming more pragmatic, favoring companies with diversified portfolios and strong cash flows over those making all-in bets on electrification.

Meanwhile, hydrogen and new business models are opening up new investment opportunities. Companies that are able to pivot quickly and adapt to shifting market conditions — whether it's through technology, new partnerships, or strategic acquisitions — are likely to outperform in the coming year.

Looking Ahead to 2026

As 2025 draws to a close, the automotive sector is at a crossroads. The EV winter shows no immediate signs of turning into a spring, and trade tensions are likely to remain a key issue. However, hydrogen, automation, and new business models are offering fresh avenues for growth.

For investors, the key is to stay flexible and informed. The auto sector is evolving rapidly — and those who can adapt to the new realities are likely to be the ones who come out on top in 2026.