Over Half of All-electric Vehicle Sales in 2016 Were Large Cars and Standard SUVs
May 1, 2017
All-electric vehicles (EV) come in many different size classes, but the largest share of EV sales in calendar year 2016 were large cars (35%) and standard sport utility vehicles (SUV)(23%). Plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) sales were mainly compact and midsize cars, with 42% and 40% of the market share, respectively. Of the nearly 347,000 hybrid electric vehicles (HEV) sold in 2016, close to three-quarters were midsize cars. There were 17.3 million light vehicles sold in the United States in 2016, more than half were SUVs, pickups, and vans.
Light Vehicle Sales by Size Class: EV, PHEV, HEV, and All Vehicles, 2016
Notes
- EV = Electric vehicle, also referred to as a battery electric vehicle (BEV), has only a battery for energy storage and must be recharged from an external source such as a wall outlet or charging station. Example: Nissan LEAF.
- PHEV = Plug-in hybrid electric vehicle which draws some of its’ energy from the electrical grid by plugging in but also has an internal combustion engine to extend range once the battery is depleted. Example: Chevrolet Volt.
- HEV = Hybrid electric vehicle which is only refueled using gasoline. Example: Toyota Prius.
- ALL = All light vehicles sold in the United States.
Sources
- PHEV, EV, and HEV: Argonne National Laboratory, Light Duty Electric Drive Vehicles Monthly Sales Updates, accessed February 8, 2017.
- ALL: Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Transportation and Econometrics National Database (TREND), queried February 3, 2017.