Electric vehicle sales in the United States have declined by 30% during the first three quarters of 2026, but the Tesla Model Y continues to dominate the market while the Toyota bZ records substantial growth. The Hyundai Ioniq 5 remains among the country’s best-selling electric vehicles, although its sales have fallen sharply. The latest figures reveal a changing competitive landscape, with Toyota gaining ground as several previously strong-selling EVs experience steep declines.
Tesla Model Y Leads EV Sales as Toyota bZ Climbs
The Tesla Model Y remains America’s best-selling electric vehicle in 2026, followed by the Tesla Model 3 and Hyundai Ioniq 5. Meanwhile, the Toyota bZ has climbed to fourth place, moving ahead of several competing electric models.
Year-to-date sales figures highlight the differences in performance among the three electric crossovers.
| Electric Vehicle | 2026 YTD Sales | 2025 YTD Sales | Year-over-Year Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tesla Model Y | 262,491 | 265,068 | -1% |
| Hyundai Ioniq 5 | 31,112 | 41,091 | -24.3% |
| Toyota bZ | 24,944 | 12,264 | +103.4% |
The Tesla Model Y’s sales have remained relatively stable, declining by just 1% compared with the same period in 2025. Its lead remains substantial, with no other electric vehicle approaching its year-to-date total. Even the Tesla Model 3 trails significantly, with sales of 106,962 units.
Hyundai Ioniq 5 Sales Decline Despite Price Cuts
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 has experienced a significant sales decline in 2026 despite receiving substantial price cuts. Although it remains one of the most popular electric vehicles in the United States, its recent performance points to growing challenges.
The downturn has become particularly pronounced in recent months, with Hyundai Ioniq 5 sales falling by 52.8% in the third quarter.
The decline contrasts with the performance of the Toyota bZ, which is rapidly closing the sales gap with Hyundai’s electric crossover.
Toyota bZ Sales More Than Double in 2026
The Toyota bZ has emerged as one of the strongest growth stories in the electric vehicle market this year. Its year-to-date sales have increased by 103.4%, rising from 12,264 units in 2025 to 24,944 in 2026.
Several updates introduced for the 2026 model year have helped strengthen the vehicle’s appeal. Increased driving range, sleeker styling and more power have attracted attention from EV buyers.
The Toyota bZ’s rapid growth has brought it closer to the Hyundai Ioniq 5 in the sales rankings. If the current trend continues, Toyota could soon have the best-selling non-Tesla electric vehicle in the United States.
Electric Vehicle Sales Rankings Shift Across the Industry
The electric vehicle market has become less predictable than the markets for gasoline-powered and hybrid vehicles. Tesla continues to hold a commanding position at the top of the sales charts, even after discontinuing the larger Model X and Model S. Beyond Tesla, however, the competitive landscape has changed considerably.
Rivian has climbed from the 10th-ranked EV brand a year ago to the second position. The introduction of its new R2, described as the company’s first mainstream electric vehicle, has contributed to the shift.
At the same time, several electric vehicles that performed well in 2025 have recorded substantial sales declines in 2026. The Chevrolet Equinox EV, Ford Mustang Mach-E, Nissan Leaf and Volkswagen ID.4 have all lost considerable ground.
Several Popular EVs Record Steep Sales Declines
Sales declines among several relatively affordable electric vehicles illustrate how quickly the market is changing. The Chevrolet Equinox EV, Ford Mustang Mach-E, Nissan Leaf and Volkswagen ID.4 are all selling well below their previous-year levels.
- Chevrolet Equinox EV: Sales down 65.6%.
- Ford Mustang Mach-E: Sales down 59%.
- Nissan Leaf: Sales down 50.1%.
- Volkswagen ID.4: Sales down 85.6%.
Most of these vehicles were outselling the Toyota bZ a year ago, underscoring the scale of the changes in the 2026 EV market.
Automakers have faced difficult decisions as they cancel certain electric vehicles or introduce completely redesigned models earlier than expected. Volkswagen is among the manufacturers making significant changes, including updates involving the ID.4 and ID. Tiguan.
U.S. EV Adoption Trails China’s Market Share
Electric vehicles accounted for just 10% of U.S. car sales in 2025, compared with 53% in China during the same year. Meanwhile, uncertainty surrounding electric vehicle demand has made it increasingly difficult for automakers to predict sales and adjust their strategies.
Toyota and Subaru Stand Out Among Legacy Automakers
Toyota and Subaru are the only established automakers identified as having achieved meaningful electric vehicle sales growth in 2026. Toyota’s performance is particularly evident in the bZ’s more than doubling of year-to-date sales, while several competitors face significant declines.
With the Tesla Model Y maintaining its leading position and the Toyota bZ gaining ground, the latest sales figures show how sharply the electric vehicle market is shifting. Toyota and Subaru have demonstrated growth while other automakers work to respond to changing demand.
