These Are the 5 Most Popular EVs in America

author: Vineeth Joel Patel   

Electric cars may not be as popular in America as they are in China or Norway, especially the latter where hybrids and electric vehicles outsold gasoline- and diesel-powered cars in 2017, but more drivers are moving toward battery-powered options every month. Automakers are still working on a way to make electric vehicles profitable, but it looks like affordable EVs with long ranges are becoming more popular. 

InsideEVs complied an extensive list of electric-vehicle sales, which include plug-in hybrid cars, from January to July 2018. Unsurprisingly, Tesla made the list, as did Chevrolet. Plug-in hybrids like the Toyota Prius Prime, Chevrolet Volt, and Honda Clarity PHEV also did very well in terms of sales, but aren't included in the list below. 

From worst to best, here are five of the most popular electric cars in the United States for the first six months of 2018.

5. Nissan Leaf: 7,808 units sold

The first generation of the Nissan Leaf was a miss compared to modern electric cars. Besides having an odd design, the original Leaf boasted a 24 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, which meant range was limited to just 100 miles on a single charge. With a standard 3.3 kW charger, the Leaf took roughly 20 hours to fill up when hooked up to a 110- or 120-volt charger.

For 2018, Nissan unveiled an all-new Leaf that's smarter and more efficient than ever. The EV's 40 kWh pack allows the vehicle to cover 150 miles on a single charge, while an available 60 kWh pack increases range to 300 miles. With a starting price tag of $29,990, the Leaf is affordably priced, making it a good option for drivers looking into the world of EVs. Unfortunately, for Nissan, having 200 miles of range has become the new standard and Tesla's vehicles are now seen as being the must-have accessories.  

4. Chevrolet Bolt: 9,033 units sold

Chevrolet really shook things up when it took the wraps off of the Bolt. The Bolt was one of the first affordable EVs to have a range in excess of 230 miles thanks to its 60 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. With innovative one-pedal driving, the EV allows drivers to gain some range back. And when the time comes to charging, the Bolt can handle up to 240-volt charging, allowing the EV to fill up in 9.5 hours. The Bolt was once the most popular car in California, but it looks like changes are changing.

3. Tesla Model X: 10,850 units sold

While the Tesla Model X isn't the prettiest electric vehicle on the market, it was one of the first to capitalize on consumers' live affair with crossovers and SUVs. When properly equipped, the Model X P100D can get to 60 mph in just 2.9 seconds, making it the quickest SUV on the market, and can travel 289 miles on a single charge. With a starting price of approximately $85,000, the Model X is one of the more expensive EVs on the market. 

2. Tesla Model S: 12,020 units sold

Before the arrival of the Tesla Model 3, the Model S was the automaker's star child, the vehicle that put it on the map and the car that made the automaker a household name. The Model S continues to be the go-to option for a consumer looking to get into an EV with the most range, as the sedan, when properly equipped, has a range of 335 miles. Performance is also one of the Model S' strong suits, as it can get to 60 mph in just 2.5 seconds. 

1.Tesla Model 3: 38,082 units sold

Oh yes, the Tesla Model 3 is Tesla's latest and greatest electric vehicle and it has quickly risen to the top of the charts. Despite issues with quality and the lack of the $35,000 variant, the Model 3 bested every other EV for the first six months of 2018. And there's plenty of reasons as to why. The first one is the sedan's range of 310 miles. Then there's the relatively affordable price of $49,000. Obviously, Tesla hit it out of the park with the Model 3, as sales of the sedan are only expected to rise. 

Vineeth Joel Patel

Joel Patel has been covering all aspects of the automotive industry for four years as an editor and freelance writer for various websites. When it comes to cars, he enjoys covering the merger between technology and cars. In his spare time, Joel likes to watch baseball, work on his car, and try new foods