Electric vehicle sales in the U.S. surged in the third quarter of 2025 as buyers rushed to take advantage of the now-expired $7,500 federal EV tax credit before it ended on September 30.
According to data from Cox Automotive, more than 400,000 new EVs were sold between July and September — a massive 29.6% increase over the same period last year. This brings total year-to-date sales to over 1 million units, up 11.7% compared to 2024.
The End of the Tax Credit Rush
While Q3 numbers look strong, analysts expect demand to soften in the coming months. With the tax credit gone, most new EVs are effectively $7,500 more expensive, putting pressure on automakers to keep prices competitive.
Still, before the market stabilizes, it’s worth taking a look at which models have dominated the charts so far. Nearly all of the top 10 EVs have outperformed their 2024 sales, showing strong consumer interest despite economic uncertainty.
Top 10 Best-Selling EVs in the U.S. (January–September 2025)
Year-to-date sales with year-over-year difference in parentheses.
Source: Cox Automotive
10. Rivian R1S — 19,687 units (+0.6%)
The rugged all-electric SUV from Rivian continues to appeal to adventure seekers, even with production limits keeping supply tight.
9. Chevrolet Blazer EV — 20,825 units (+36.7%)
Chevy’s mid-size electric SUV found its groove this year with strong fleet demand and more stable software performance after early hiccups.
8. Volkswagen ID.4 — 22,125 units (+35.1%)
VW’s U.S.-built EV continues to gain traction thanks to affordable lease options and improvements in range and interior tech.
7. Ford F-150 Lightning — 23,034 units (+1%)
America’s favorite pickup still leads the electric truck segment, though competition from Rivian and Tesla is growing.
6. Honda Prologue — 36,553 units (+157.8%)
Honda’s first mass-market EV is off to an impressive start, riding on GM’s Ultium platform and nationwide dealer support.
5. Hyundai Ioniq 5 — 41,091 units (+35.5%)
The Ioniq 5 remains a crowd favorite for its retro styling, fast charging, and solid reliability record.
4. Ford Mustang Mach-E — 41,962 units (+17.8%)
Ford’s sporty crossover continues to hold strong, benefitting from price cuts and improved availability.
3. Chevrolet Equinox EV — 52,834 units (+389.9%)
One of the year’s breakout models, the Equinox EV delivers practical range and an affordable price, helping GM win back mainstream buyers.
2. Tesla Model 3 — 155,180 units (+17.6%)
Tesla’s classic sedan still commands a huge lead in the mid-size segment, boosted by software updates and performance trims.
1. Tesla Model Y — 265,068 units (-7.7%)
Despite a slight year-over-year decline, the Model Y remains America’s best-selling EV by a wide margin, thanks to Tesla’s production scale and Supercharger access.
What’s Next for EV Sales?
The fourth quarter will be a real test for EV demand in a post-tax-credit world. Many automakers are already offering aggressive discounts, lease incentives, and financing deals to keep buyers interested.
However, experts warn these promotions may only serve to clear out inventory rather than drive lasting demand. With production costs still high, it’s unclear how long manufacturers can sustain deep price cuts.
For shoppers, the takeaway is clear: do your research. As incentives fade and prices fluctuate, the remainder of 2025 — and the start of 2026 — will be anything but predictable for the U.S. electric vehicle market.
Recommend Reading: For Now, U.S. EVs Cost Less Than Gas Cars—Here’s Why
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