U.S. electric vehicle sales rose to an estimated 262,649 in the third quarter of 2026, up 6.1% from the second quarter and the best quarter since a year earlier, according to Cox Automotive. Sales were still down 39.5% from Q3 2025, the record quarter when buyers rushed to beat the end of the federal tax credit.
Tesla sold more EVs than every other brand combined, an estimated 144,094, or about 54% of the market.
Q3 2026 EV sales at a glance
| Total U.S. EV sales | 262,649 (estimate) |
| vs. Q2 2026 | Up 6.1% |
| vs. Q3 2025 | Down 39.5% |
| EV share of new-vehicle sales | ~6.4% (up from 5.8% in Q2) |
| Electrified share (EV + hybrid + PHEV) | Nearly 25% |
| Tesla share | ~54% |
Cox's figures are Kelley Blue Book estimates, because most automakers don't report EV sales by model every quarter.
What were the best-selling EVs in Q3 2026?
Cox estimates reported by EVwire:
| Rank | Model | Q3 2026 | Q3 2025 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tesla Model Y | 99,037 | 114,897 | -13.8% |
| 2 | Tesla Model 3 | 40,346 | 53,857 | -25.1% |
| 3 | Hyundai Ioniq 5 | 10,382 | 21,999 | -52.8% |
| 4 | Rivian EDV delivery van | 8,469 | 2,639 | +220.9% |
| 5 | Toyota bZ | 7,391 | 3,015 | +145.1% |
| 6 | Rivian R1S | 5,582 | 8,184 | -31.8% |
| 7 | Ford Mustang Mach-E | 5,574 | 20,177 | -72.4% |
| 8 | Kia EV9 | 5,394 | 7,510 | -28.2% |
| 9 | Honda Prologue | 4,882 | 20,236 | -75.9% |
| 10 | Cadillac Optiq | 4,550 | 4,886 | -6.9% |
Which brands sold the most EVs?
| Rank | Brand | Q3 2026 sales |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tesla | 144,094 |
| 2 | Rivian | 19,239 |
| 3 | Toyota | 12,904 |
| 4 | Cadillac | 12,358 |
| 5 | Hyundai | 12,185 |
Cox says Toyota and Lexus EV sales rose nearly fivefold from a year earlier, Rivian rose 46% and Subaru 31%. Tesla was down about 20% but still took more than half the market.
Why are EV sales down from last year?
The comparison quarter, Q3 2025, was inflated. Buyers rushed to claim the federal clean vehicle credit of up to $7,500, which the IRS says isn't available for vehicles acquired after September 30, 2025. Our explainer covers whether any EV tax credit is left in 2026.
Sales dropped hard after the deadline and have been climbing back since.
"What we're seeing now is a market finding its footing again," said Stephanie Valdez Streaty, director of industry insights at Cox Automotive.
Are EVs getting cheaper?
A little. Kelley Blue Book says the average EV sold for $55,879 in September 2026, down 3% from a year earlier. EV incentives fell to 11% of the price, the lowest point of 2026. More in our report on average new car prices.
What's next for Tesla?
Tesla reported 486,532 global deliveries for the third quarter on October 2 and posts full results on October 21. Here's what to expect from Tesla's Q3 earnings.
