U.S. electric vehicle sales reach highest level in one year

The United States electric vehicle (EV) market showed signs of recovery in the third quarter of 2026, with sales reaching their highest level in a year. According to estimates from Cox Automotive, automakers sold approximately 266,630 electric vehicles during the quarter, marking a 7.7% increase from the second quarter of 2026.

Despite this quarterly rebound, total deliveries fell 38.6% compared to the third quarter of 2025. That previous period saw record-breaking numbers as consumers rushed to utilize federal tax incentives before they were discontinued. EVs accounted for roughly 6.5% of all new-vehicle sales in Q3 2026, up from 5.8% in the prior quarter.

Industry experts suggest the market is stabilizing following a sharp correction. Growth in certain segments was driven by new models and competitive pricing, with brands such as Toyota, Lexus, and Rivian seeing notable improvements. Factors such as rising gasoline prices and increased vehicle variety are expected to influence future adoption rates.