Forecaster Puts EVs at Nearly a Quarter Market Share Soon
J.D. Power report says current adoption rates to result in 24% new-vehicle share by 2026.

Premiums models by Tesla and other makers still dominate the market, so as more mass-market models are launched, adoption will increase, J.D. Power says.
IMAGE: Pixabay/capitalstreet_fx06
Though electric vehicles aren’t taking off as fast as legacy automakers had thought they would, U.S. adoption is growing, and at least one prognosticator says EVs will become much more mainstream in just a few years.
A report by J.D. Power predicts EVs will make up nearly a quarter of new-vehicle sales by 2026.
The data provider points out that various factors impact EV sales volume, from price and incentives fluctuations to available models. Therefore, temporary shifts can result in unusually large short-term numbers.
EVs hit an 8% U.S. new-vehicle market share for the first time in the third quarter, still well behind that of Europe, for instance, where battery-electric registrations reached 14% market share year-to-date in October. Meanwhile, U.S. consumer interest in EV purchases was flat in AAA’s latest annual poll.
But based on current adoption rates, J.D. Power predicts U.S. EV market share will hit 13% by the end of next year and 24% by the close of 2026, despite temporary slowdowns during the period.
It said the launch of more mass-market EVs will be a crucial factor in the upswing, since luxury EVs still dominate the segment. Tesla, which occupies that premium space, is still the U.S. EV market leader.
The higher price tags of typical EVs, along with limited public charging infrastructure, are consistently cited as a top reason consumers opt for hybrids or gas-powered models.
Originally posted on Auto Dealer Today
More Showroom

Used Market Stabilizes
The Carfax Used Car Index noted a major drop in used-vehicle price increases in July after several months of hikes.
Read More →
California Hybrids Reach State Record
The Golden State still leads the country in electric-vehicle registrations, but much like the rest of the U.S. its hybrid market share is up while full electrics stabilize after a dramatic first-quarter dip.
Read More →
My Mercedes in the U.S.
The German brand debuted its studio dealership concept for the first time in the states in Los Angeles, tapping Americans’ penchant for creative distinctions.
Read More →
Used Sales Hit Summer Drag
The vacation season, combined with high prices, has dented deliveries and added to inventories, though supply is still slim enough to keep listings elevated.
Read More →
California Launches EV Rebate Program
Participating automakers are matching the state's $13.5 million investment in new electric-vehicle rebates scheduled to take effect later this summer.
Read More →
OEM Poll Sees Industry Evolution
Kerrigan Advisors’ survey of automakers finds that tariffs, technology, network tightening and other factors are poised to reshape auto retail.
Read More →
The Trade-In Paradox
Retailing older cars with confidence in today’s market is a matter of establishing and following a clear process that can turn greater profit for auto dealers as they aim to meet used-unit hunger.
Read More →
Focus on Vehicle Cabins
The market for interior materials will grow in coming years as automakers look to meet consumer demand while staying competitive with changeups to sourcing and included features.
Read More →
State Follows Federal Warning on Auto Ads
The Massachusetts attorney general cautioned the state’s automotive dealers to be upfront with the consuming public about their vehicle prices or risk punishment.
Read More →
European EV Market Hits Record
Seven out of the top 10 electric vehicles sold so far in 2026 in Europe are by European brands, and automakers are seeing the power train fill up their order books.
Read More →