GM, Ford and Tesla Set to Lose Q2 U.S. Share as Sales Pace Holds Near 16 Million

Q: With hybrids surging and EVs falling, is America's all-electric future stalling before it even begins?

Yes — for now, America’s all-electric transition looks more delayed than derailed. The clearest signal is in the sales mix. Hybrids are gaining because they solve today’s consumer problems: high gasoline prices, range anxiety and cost. In the U.S., hybrid sales were up 9.2% year-to-date through April and reached 14.5% of new-vehicle sales, while battery EV sales fell 22% year-over-year in the latest quarter and were down 35.5% year-to-date, with share slipping to 5.1%. After the federal EV tax credit expired, demand weakened further, even as automakers offered steep discounts. That does not mean EVs have no future. It means the market is rejecting a fast, all-EV timetable. U.S. buyers remain more open to hybrids than pure EVs: Pew found 44% would consider a hybrid, versus 32% for an EV. Charging remains a major barrier, with 53% of Americans lacking confidence the country will build enough stations. Policy instability around charging support has also made investment less predictable. Affordability is another brake. New vehicles average roughly $49,000 to $50,000, monthly payments exceed $800, and insurance and borrowing costs remain high. In that environment, hybrids look like the safer compromise, especially for mainstream buyers who cannot absorb the price, charging and resale risks of EVs. So the all-electric future is not ending before it begins. But it is clearly slowing, and hybrids are becoming the bridge technology many Americans prefer right now.

3 articles · Updated · Insideradio.com · Jun 29

GM, Ford and Tesla are projected to cede U.S. market share in the second quarter, with sales down 5.1%, 12% and 20% respectively when results arrive next week.
A roughly 16 million SAAR has kept the market resilient despite inflation and higher fuel costs, with June estimated at 15.9 million to 16.1 million and Q2 volume seen down only about 1% year over year.
Toyota, Hyundai-Kia, Honda and Stellantis are expected to gain share, with Stellantis posting its first increase since 2019 as lineup decisions and stronger hybrid offerings reshape competition.
56% of consumers surveyed in May said Iran-linked fuel-price increases made them more likely to consider a hybrid or plug-in hybrid, while EV sales fell 22% after a federal tax credit expired.
By year-end, Cox says Toyota could challenge GM for the U.S. sales lead and Hyundai-Kia could overtake Ford, even as affordability pressures push buyers toward cheaper models.