New Car Registrations Show a Surge in EV Ownership

Though electric vehicles (EVs) still comprise only a small percentage of registered vehicles in the United States, the numbers show the tide is changing as EV registrations skyrocket. 

According to Experian data, total vehicle registrations rose 36% in the first four months of 2021. Of that number, EVs accounted for 2.3% compared to 1.6% of new vehicle registrations in 2020.

This means registrations of EVs jumped 95% to 133,509 in January through April, compared to the same period in 2020.

Not all EV models were winners as registration increased. Three of four Tesla models saw registrations drop. Registrations for Tesla’s Model 3 dropped 12%, the Model S plummeted 63%, and the Model X fell 75%. But Tesla’s new model, the Model Y, saw registrations skyrocket 71%, from 2,260 in 2020 to 53,102 over the same period in 2021. The Model Y ranks fourth among luxury brands. 

Even with the changes in three models, Tesla vehicles comprise four of the most popular EVs. Tesla’s Model Y and Model 3, rank No. 1 and No. 2. Chevrolet Bolt EV, Ford Mustang Mach-E and the Nissan Leaf round out the top five. 

California continues to be the top state for EV registrations, accounting for 38% of registrations down from 45% the year prior. Florida came in second, with EVs making up 7.2% of registrations, followed by Texas at 5.9%. 

Originally posted on Auto Dealer Today