Tesla outside the top 10 of most innovative automakers
Tesla has dropped out of the Top-10 list of most innovative electric vehicle manufacturers after 10 years of consecutive presence. This is according to the latest Electromobility Report by the Center of Automotive Management (CAM). Geely, Volkswagen, and BYD remain at the top of the rankings for their innovations in battery-powered vehicles. Mercedes-Benz is making a comeback.
The CAM research institute’s analysis covers the period from 2021 to the first half of 2026. It includes 910 standard innovations attributed to 38 automotive groups. The evaluation focuses mainly on three parameters: range, energy consumption, and charging speed. Additional factors considered are the introduction of electric powertrains in new vehicle segments, as well as advancements in batteries, charging management, and system components.
The point-based ranking reflects manufacturers’ ability to introduce innovations into their production models, but it does not represent an absolute measure of car quality or their commercial success.
Geely, VW, and BYD are the most innovative; Tesla is out of the Top-10
The top three positions in the ranking remain unchanged from the last survey conducted last January. The Chinese group Geely leads with 207 index points, followed by the Volkswagen Group with 204, and BYD with 192. This result confirms the growing influence of Chinese and German manufacturers in developing technologies for electric mobility.
Behind the podium, Mercedes-Benz moves up from seventh to fourth place. Followed by BMW, SAIC, Hyundai, Renault, General Motors, and Stellantis.
However, Tesla is causing a stir by dropping from sixth to eleventh place. This is a significant shift: since the rankings were first introduced in 2016 — when Tesla held first place — the American manufacturer had never been outside the Top-10.
Tesla out of the Top-10, unable to keep up with competitors?
Paradoxically, Tesla’s score actually increased by 3.4 index points compared to the last analysis. The drop in rankings is therefore mainly due to the pace of innovation introduced by competitors, who achieved more consistent results during the period under consideration.
According to CAM, competition now hinges increasingly on the ability to offer a compelling package of range, efficiency, charging speed, and cost. It’s not enough to simply provide a competitive electric car in one area alone. The balance between technical features and everyday usability matters. And Tesla is paying the price for this, despite its classic models continuing to sell well, especially in Europe.
Mercedes and BMW focus on two-way charging
In this regard, Mercedes-Benz’s growth reflects a strategy that goes beyond the performance of individual models. The German group stands out for expanding its electric offerings across different segments and developing features related to integrating vehicles with energy systems.
A key feature emphasized by CAM is two-way charging. This technology allows a vehicle’s battery to supply energy rather than merely drawing it from the grid. V2H (vehicle-to-home) and V2G (vehicle-to-grid) functions can respectively power a home or exchange energy with the electrical grid, provided the vehicle, infrastructure, and energy services are compatible.
BMW is also moving in this direction.
BYD (and China) accelerates in charging technology
Among the technological examples cited in the report is the giant BYD, which is working to drastically reduce charging times. In China, Flash Charging technology achieves a claimed power of up to 1,500 kW through a single connector, with charging times under 10 minutes. More advanced and efficient technologies are also being developed by several top Chinese competitors.
European automakers are trying to keep up, though the biggest pressure comes from Chinese companies’ growing ability to turn this clear technological advantage into sales.
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