The electric vehicle (EV) market is at a crossroads, and the stakes have never been higher. With the expiration of the $7,500 federal tax credit on September 30, the EV landscape is shifting dramatically. But here’s where it gets controversial: while the third quarter of 2025 saw a staggering 29.6% surge in EV sales—with over 400,000 units sold—experts warn that this boom might be short-lived. Why? Because without the tax credit, most EVs are now effectively $7,500 more expensive. Will this price hike stall the momentum, or will consumer demand persist? That’s the million-dollar question.
Before diving into the numbers, let’s pause for a moment. The third-quarter blitz wasn’t just a blip—it pushed year-to-date EV sales past the 1 million mark, an 11.7% increase compared to the same period in 2024. This is a testament to the growing appetite for electric vehicles, but it also raises a critical point: Can automakers sustain this growth without government incentives? And this is the part most people miss: while the tax credit helped EVs gain a foothold, its absence could reveal which models truly stand on their own merits.
Now, let’s talk about the stars of the show: America’s 10 best-selling EVs of 2025 (so far). With one notable exception—the Tesla Model Y—every vehicle on this list has outperformed its 2024 sales from January to September. Here’s the breakdown, complete with year-over-year changes, courtesy of Cox Automotive:
- Tesla Model Y: 265,068 units (-7.7%)
- Tesla Model 3: 155,180 units (+17.6%)
- Chevrolet Equinox EV: 52,834 units (+389.9%)
- Ford Mustang Mach-E: 41,962 units (+17.8%)
- Hyundai Ioniq 5: 41,091 units (+35.5%)
- Honda Prologue: 36,553 units (+157.8%)
- Ford F-150 Lightning: 23,034 units (+1%)
- Volkswagen ID.4: 22,125 units (+35.1%)
- Chevrolet Blazer EV: 20,825 units (+36.7%)
- Rivian R1S: 19,687 units (+0.6%)
The Chevrolet Equinox EV’s jaw-dropping 389.9% growth is particularly noteworthy, as is the Honda Prologue’s 157.8% surge. But what’s next? The fourth quarter promises to be a wild ride. Automakers are slashing prices, offering aggressive lease deals, and rolling out discounts to offset the lost tax credit. But here’s the catch: Can they sustain these incentives indefinitely, or are they merely clearing out inventory? And more importantly, will these tactics be enough to keep buyers interested in 2026 and beyond?
If you’re considering an EV, now is the time to do your research. The market is in flux, and the decisions you make today could shape the future of electric transportation. But here’s a thought-provoking question: With the tax credit gone, which EVs will thrive based on their own merits, and which will fade into the background? Share your thoughts in the comments—we’d love to hear your take!
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