Tesla still sold more than half of the electric vehicles bought in the U.S. in the third quarter of 2026, according to Cox Automotive’s Q3 EV sales report. Its sales were down about 20% from a year earlier, though.
What the report says about the whole market
Cox, using Kelley Blue Book estimates, counts 262,649 EVs sold in the U.S. in the quarter. That is up 6.1% from the second quarter and the highest quarterly volume in a year. EVs made up about 6.4% of new-vehicle sales, up from 5.8% in Q2.
Compared with Q3 2025, sales fell 39.5%. Cox says that quarter was inflated because shoppers rushed to buy before the federal EV tax credit expired. It also says high gas prices are likely helping demand now.
Where Tesla stands
Cox says Tesla’s U.S. sales fell about 20% from a year earlier but still accounted for more than half of all EVs sold. The report adds that Tesla’s sales now come almost entirely from two long-running vehicles: the Model Y made up 69% of Tesla’s Q3 sales and the Model 3 made up 28%.
Rivian grew 46% year over year, according to the same report. Drive Tesla Canada’s write-up ties that growth to the launch of the R2.
What it means if you are shopping
This is a sales report, not a price or incentive announcement. It does not change what any Tesla costs today. The federal tax credit mentioned above has ended, so check current state and utility programs before you budget.
Figures are Cox Automotive estimates as of October 13, 2026. Cox updated its report to correct a figure, so check the linked report for the latest numbers.
