00:34 15-01-2026
Top non-Tesla EVs in the 2025 U.S. market and key trends
The U.S. EV market went through a choppy 2025, but it revealed a clear shift: shoppers increasingly looked beyond Tesla’s ecosystem. The brand still leads the pack, yet its share has begun to slip.
Why the market softened
The removal of the $7,500 federal tax credit in the fall of 2025 didn’t sink the market. While the fourth quarter was weak, full-year EV sales in the U.S. fell just 2%. That points to demand that’s maturing and less dependent on subsidies, a sign that everyday usability is starting to matter more than incentives.
What Americans bought instead of Tesla
According to Cox Automotive, these were the most in-demand non-Tesla EVs in the U.S. for 2025:
1. Chevrolet Equinox EV — 57,945 units
This affordable electric crossover became the best-selling non-Tesla EV. With a starting price around $36,795 and a range of over 505 km, it won over buyers on practicality and value. Sales nearly doubled versus 2024, which says a lot about how price and usefulness now drive decisions.
2. Ford Mustang Mach-E — 51,620 units
The Mach-E held steady, with sales down a modest 0.2%. That stability suggests the model has cemented its place among the most popular electric crossovers.
3. Hyundai Ioniq 5 — 47,039 units
Despite a softer fourth quarter, the Ioniq 5 maintained momentum, ending the year up 5.9% versus 2024. In a cooling market, that kind of growth stands out.
4. Honda Prologue — 39,194 units
A surprise of the year, the Prologue—built on GM’s platform—grew sales by 18.7%. It’s one of the few examples of a new U.S. EV launch hitting the mark, even outpacing Acura-branded counterparts.
5. Ford F-150 Lightning — 27,307 units
Despite production being discontinued, the Lightning remained the top EV in its segment. Clearly, electric trucks still have an audience ready to buy what they offer.
6. Rivian R1S — 24,852 units
Even with cooling interest and Rivian’s broader challenges, the R1S cracked the top 10 thanks to its SUV-first approach and off-road bent.
7. Chevrolet Blazer EV — 22,637 units
The Blazer EV trails the Equinox EV but remains a key Chevrolet player, helped by balanced spec and strong brand recognition.
8. Volkswagen ID.4 — 22,373 units
The ID.4 posted solid growth (31.4%) even five years into its life cycle. A refresh should reinforce that position in 2026.
9. Cadillac Lyriq — 20,971 units
The Lyriq stayed near the top despite softer demand. The luxury crossover continues to appeal to buyers who want a premium experience.
10. BMW i4 — 20,114 units
The i4 remains BMW’s best-selling EV in the U.S., even with lower volumes. The brand’s upcoming releases could lift interest further in 2026.
What’s happening with Tesla
Tesla still dominates: the Model Y alone outsells the entire non-Tesla top 10 combined. Yet in 2025 the brand’s sales slipped 7%—a sign of intensifying competition. The lineup is aging, and alternatives keep getting more varied and accessible.
Takeaways
The U.S. EV market has shifted into a more balanced phase. Tesla remains the clear leader, but more buyers are choosing other brands for price, design, and practicality. That’s a healthy evolution—one that should make the EV space more competitive and resilient in the years ahead.