2025 Global Automotive Consumer Study – Key Vocabulary

38 vocabulary flashcards covering the major concepts, technologies, and consumer attitudes highlighted in the 2025 Global Automotive Consumer Study.

Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS)

Transportation solutions that allow consumers to access mobility on demand—such as ride-hailing, car-sharing, or robotaxi fleets—rather than owning a personal vehicle.

Software-Defined Vehicle (SDV)

An automobile whose performance and features are increasingly controlled and improved through software updates across its life cycle.

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)

Electronic systems that help drivers operate vehicles more safely and conveniently (e.g., lane-keeping, automatic emergency braking).

Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV)

A vehicle powered solely by electricity stored in an onboard battery that is recharged via external sources.

Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV)

A vehicle that combines an internal combustion engine with an electric motor but cannot be plugged in for external charging.

Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV)

A hybrid that can be recharged from the grid, allowing limited all-electric driving before the engine assists.

Range Anxiety

Consumer worry that an electric vehicle will not have enough battery charge to reach its destination.

Brand Defection

When a consumer intends to switch to a different vehicle brand the next time they purchase.

Co-opetition

Collaboration between competing automakers or suppliers to share resources and reduce cost or risk.

Autonomous Vehicle (AV)

A self-driving vehicle capable of navigating without human intervention using sensors, AI, and software.

Connected Vehicle

A car equipped to communicate with external networks, devices, or services to enhance safety, convenience, and entertainment.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Vehicles

Machine-learning algorithms embedded in automotive systems for functions such as voice control or autonomous driving.

Fast Charging

High-power electric charging that reduces the time needed to replenish an EV battery, typically aiming for 80 % in under 40 minutes.

Dedicated EV Charging Station

A stand-alone facility built specifically to provide electric-vehicle charging rather than traditional fuel sales.

Agency Retail Model

A sales approach where consumers purchase a vehicle directly from the manufacturer—often online—while dealers act as delivery and service agents.

Vehicle Subscription

A pay-monthly service that provides access to a vehicle, usually including insurance and maintenance, without long-term ownership.

End-of-Life Battery Value Chain

The collection, storage, recycling, and repurposing processes for EV batteries that have reached the end of their useful vehicle life.

Battery Stewardship

Responsibility for managing EV batteries after use, including safe collection and recycling—often debated among OEMs, recyclers, and governments.

Global Automotive Consumer Study

Deloitte’s annual survey of more than 30,000 consumers in 30 countries that analyzes attitudes toward mobility trends.

EV Intender

A consumer who plans for their next vehicle to be electrified (BEV, HEV, or PHEV).

Charging Infrastructure

The network of private and public facilities that supply electricity to recharge electric vehicles.

Vehicle Operating Costs

The ongoing expenses of running a vehicle, such as fuel or electricity, maintenance, insurance, and taxes.

Robotaxi

A fully autonomous vehicle deployed as an on-demand ride service without a human driver.

Smartphone Integration (Apple CarPlay / Android Auto)

Technology that mirrors smartphone apps and functions on the vehicle’s infotainment screen for seamless connectivity.

Pre-paid Charging Subscription

A payment plan allowing EV drivers to access public charging for a fixed fee or credit amount in advance.

Vehicle Health Reporting

Connected-car feature that monitors and communicates the condition of vehicle systems and forecasts maintenance costs.

Digital Key

A smartphone-based credential that allows drivers to lock, unlock, and start their vehicle without a physical key.

Peer Pressure (EV Adoption)

Social influence from friends or community that encourages individuals to choose electrified vehicles.

Mobility Ecosystem

The interconnected network of services, technologies, and stakeholders involved in moving people and goods.

Vehicle Transaction Price

The final price consumers pay for a vehicle, which has hit record highs due to shortages and supply-chain shocks.

Supply Chain Shock

Unexpected disruptions—such as those from the pandemic—that interrupt the flow of parts and materials in automotive manufacturing.

Range Extender Technology

A powertrain setup where a small combustion engine generates electricity to recharge the battery, eliminating the need for external plugs.

EV Inertia

The observed slowdown or hesitation among consumers to adopt all-battery electric vehicles in some markets.

Vehicle Ownership vs. MaaS

The choice between personally owning a car and relying on shared, on-demand mobility services.

Vehicle Brand Loyalty

The tendency of consumers to repurchase vehicles from the same brand they currently own.

Autonomous Fleet

A group of self-driving vehicles operating together for commercial or passenger mobility services.

Vehicle-to-Home Backup Power

Using an electric vehicle’s battery as an emergency electricity source for domestic use.

Cold-Weather Performance (EV)

The impact of low temperatures on battery efficiency, driving range, and charging speed in electric vehicles.

Battery Replacement Cost

The anticipated expense of installing a new battery pack in an electric vehicle once the original degrades.