If you’ve been watching the headlines lately, you’ve probably noticed something weird. One day, experts tell you the electric revolution is dead. The next day, a report comes out saying sales are at an all-time high. Honestly, it’s enough to give anyone whiplash.
But as we look at the electric vehicle sales news today 2025, the truth is a bit more nuanced. It’s not a collapse. It’s a correction.
For years, we lived in a bubble of "early adopters"—people who didn't mind spending $60,000 on a car and hunting for a working charger like they were looking for a desert oasis. That era is over. Now, we’re dealing with regular people. People who care about monthly payments, insurance rates, and whether the car will actually make it to Grandma’s house in the winter.
The Great 2025 Reversal: Tesla Loses the Crown
The biggest shocker in the industry? Tesla is no longer the king of the mountain. For the first time ever, Chinese giant BYD has officially overtaken Tesla as the world’s top seller of pure battery-electric vehicles (BEVs).
BYD moved roughly 2.26 million units in 2025. Tesla? They slipped to about 1.63 million. That’s an 8.6% drop for Elon Musk’s crew while the rest of the market actually grew.
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It’s a massive shift. In the U.S., Tesla's market share has cratered to around 41%. Just a few years ago, they owned basically the whole pie. Now, they're fighting off everyone from Hyundai to Chevrolet.
Why U.S. Sales Hit a Wall in October
The vibe in the American market shifted dramatically on October 1, 2025. That was the day the $7,500 federal tax credit basically evaporated under the "One Big Beautiful Bill" (OBBB) Act.
Before that deadline, people went nuts.
In September 2025, EV sales surged to 13% of all new car sales in the U.S. because everyone was trying to grab that "free" money before it vanished. But then October hit. Sales didn't just dip; they cratered. Ford’s EV sales plummeted 52% in the final quarter.
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- The Sticker Shock: Without those credits, the average EV price tag sat around $57,245.
- The Hybrid Pivot: Instead of going full electric, Americans are flocking to hybrids. Toyota is laughing all the way to the bank right now, with electrified vehicles (mostly hybrids) making up nearly half of their total volume.
The "Used EV" Silver Lining
Here’s something most news outlets are missing: the used market is actually on fire.
While new car dealers are struggling to move shiny 2026 models, used EV sales grew by over 60% year-over-year at certain points in 2025. Why? Because the prices finally make sense. You can now find used Tesla Model 3s or Chevy Bolts for under $25,000.
Basically, the "regular" buyer has decided they'll go green, but only if it costs the same as a used Honda Civic.
Europe is Playing a Different Game
Over in Europe, the story is totally different. Even though countries like Germany and the UK cut back on their subsidies, people are still buying.
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In the first quarter of 2025, European BEV sales rebounded by 30%. The UK and Germany saw massive growth—43% and 39% respectively. Europeans seem more "all-in" than Americans. Maybe it’s the gas prices. Maybe it’s the fact that their cities are smaller. Whatever it is, the "stall" we’re seeing in the U.S. isn't a global phenomenon.
What This Means for Your Next Car
If you’re looking to buy right now, the electric vehicle sales news today 2025 suggests you have more leverage than you think.
Inventory is sitting on lots. The "days' supply" for new EVs hit 104 days recently. That’s a fancy way of saying cars are gathering dust. Dealers are desperate. They’re throwing massive internal incentives—sometimes up to 15% off the sticker price—just to get these cars moving.
Honestly, the "EV slump" is the best thing that ever happened to a budget-conscious buyer.
Actionable Insights for 2026:
- Skip the New Models: Unless you really need the latest tech, the used market (specifically cars 2-3 years old) is where the value is. Look for units under $25,000 to potentially qualify for remaining state-level used EV credits.
- Negotiate Hard: If you are buying new, do not pay MSRP. With inventory levels at record highs, dealers have "hidden" manufacturer incentives they can tap into.
- Watch the Interest Rates: The federal credit is gone, but a new tax deduction for interest on auto loans (up to $10,000) is now a thing. It’s not as good as a credit, but it helps if you’re financing.
- Check Your Insurance: Before you sign, call your agent. EV insurance premiums have spiked in 2025 due to repair costs. Make sure the "gas savings" aren't being eaten by your monthly insurance bill.
The transition to electric isn't stopping; it's just becoming a normal, boring part of the car business. No more hype. Just math.