Tesla Model Y Is Still America's Best-Selling EV by a Mile in 2026

Electric vehicles accounted for 6.4% of all US new-car sales in the third quarter of 2026, up from 5.8% in the second quarter, according to Cox Automotive data reported by Kelley Blue Book. Total Q3 EV sales reached 262,649 units, up 6.1% from Q2.

The most popular electric car so far this year is the Tesla Model Y, with over 262,000 units sold year to date — more than the next 24 best-selling EVs combined, per Cox. The Tesla Model 3 follows at roughly 107,000 units, with the Hyundai Ioniq 5 in third at about 31,000.

High pump prices are a big part of the story. Gas averaged $4.33 a gallon nationally on October 15, according to AAA — up from $3.06 a year earlier. "With gas prices well above $4 a gallon, electric vehicles look better than ever," said Stephanie Valdez Streaty, Cox Automotive's director of Industry Insights.

For deal hunters, the takeaway is clear: mainstream EVs like the Model Y (starting around $39,990), Model 3 (around $38,990), and Ioniq 5 (around $35,000) are holding value well as demand climbs. Run any of them through CARC's deal score before you buy — strong demand means dealers have less reason to discount.