According to Kelley Blue Book, sales of electric vehicles (EVs) in the United States reached a new all-time high in the second quarter of this year, with an impressive 330,463 units sold. This represents an 11.3% increase compared to the same period last year. The surge in sales can be attributed to improved availability, higher discounts, and increased leasing options.
Despite a 6.3% year-over-year decline in sales volume by market leader Tesla, the overall EV market saw a boost from the introduction of new products, particularly from General Motors. In a significant shift, Tesla’s share of EV sales dropped below 50% for the first time in the U.S., coming in at 49.7%.
Estimates from Kelley Blue Book indicate that electric vehicles accounted for approximately 8% of total new-vehicle sales in the second quarter, surpassing the 7.1% share in the first quarter and the 7.2% share in Q2 of the previous year.
Stephanie Valdez Streaty, Director of Industry Insights at Cox Automotive, expressed, “EV sales exceeded expectations in a record-breaking quarter. Despite Tesla’s declining sales and its EV market share dropping below 50% for the first time, the overall landscape for electric vehicles is becoming more competitive.”
While Tesla continues to dominate the EV segment, increased competition from mainstream automakers and more competitive pricing are providing consumers with compelling alternatives. New additions to the EV market in Q2, such as the BMW i5, Cadillac Lyriq, Honda Prologue, and Kia EV9 SUV, contributed to the expansion of the industry. Additionally, higher volumes of the Ford Mustang Mach-E and F-150 Lightning helped Ford maintain its position as the second-largest player in the EV market.
General Motors also made significant strides in Q2, introducing over 21,000 EVs to the market. However, some major players, including Chevrolet and other luxury brands, experienced a decline in EV sales year over year in Q2.
Valdez Streaty added, “We remain optimistic about the long-term trajectory of electric vehicle sales. As EV infrastructure and technology improve, and more models are launched, many consumers who have been hesitant about embracing EVs will eventually make the switch.”
The increase in EV sales in Q2 highlights the evolving landscape of the automotive industry, with electric vehicles playing an increasingly significant role in shaping the future of transportation. As the market continues to grow and evolve, it will be interesting to see how automakers adapt to meet the demand for alternative fuel vehicles.