Electric cars have been an interesting topic for most Americans. Some call them the best alternative to gas cars, while others are sceptical. The leading auto companies are trying to improve EV technology and introduce these vehicles to the common market. However, most people are still adamant about using gas cars. Just how many electric cars in the us have been bought? You may think that the numbers might be in two digits right? The answer might disappoint you. Roughly 1% of EVs are currently running on the roads in the US. Surprising. Since 2010, the amount of EV sales has increased, however, they still have a long way to go. Can you expect a rise in sales of Electric cars in the US in 2024? What are their current numbers? Let’s uncover the answers.
How Many Electric Cars in The US have been Sold since 2010?
Earlier we discussed briefly about EV sales in the US since 2010. Today, the numbers have risen to new heights and are growing slowly and steadily. Moreover, in 2023, about 1,077,138 EVs were sold, which is quite high considering the previous sales. They are 422% higher than the 2022 EV sales. Therefore, the US electric vehicle statistics show a steady pattern that may undergo a balanced growth. Here is a list of EVs sold over 14 years and their global market share.
Year | EV sales in US | Global market share |
2010 | 515 | 0.01% |
2011 | 10,905 | 0.07% |
2012 | 15,555 | 0.17% |
2013 | 49,395 | 0.27% |
2014 | 67,031 | 0.41% |
2015 | 76,663 | 0.67% |
2016 | 89,873 | 0.89% |
2017 | 117,129 | 1.36% |
2018 | 258,862 | 2.30% |
2019 | 269,261 | 2.49% |
2020 | 295,909 | 4.11% |
2021 | 550,112 | 8.57% |
2022 | 760, 329 | 14% |
2023 | 1,077,138 | 18% |
These numbers may tell you a lot about how Electric vehicle growth in the US remains steady and keeps increasing. You may see a drastic change in EV sales between 2010 and 2011 and 2017 to 2023. There’s something noteworthy, though. You can say that the sales are increasing with every passing year, however, they are only happening in smaller markets. Countries other than the US, mainly China and Europe, are the only ones experiencing EV sales annually. Companies are quite hopeful of selling a decent Number of electric cars in 2024, both in the States and globally. Technological improvements and better ranges can bring EVs next to gas cars.Â
Why are EV Sales Still Not up to the Mark?
In a world where people rely heavily on fossil fuels, you cannot expect everyone to go electric. Moreover, there is a huge price tag attached to them. They are not for the common folk whose monthly allowance cannot afford their battery cost. Let’s understand why cars in the USA do not meet everyone’s expectations.
1- Six-figure cost
We have discussed how expensive electric cars can get. They require extensive research and high-level professionals to be made to perfection. Moreover, their batteries, unlike combustion engines, need electricity to run. You cannot charge them at home without paying a high electricity bill unless you have a solar panel. Their price range often starts from $20,000, reaching up to seven figures. The EV market trends USA are mainly focused on the elite class. Which enjoys good living conditions and has a proper space to keep an electric car.
2- Battery price
Why are electric car batteries so expensive? If you read our previous article, you must know the factors concerning EV battery costs. EV batteries are quite expensive to make. They require expensive metals and other raw materials contributing to high battery prices. Therefore, the total number of cars in America usually consists of gas-powered vehicles that do not have expensive batteries. Most EVs do not require maintenance and may save you some maintenance costs, but what if the battery is damaged beyond repair? That may hurt your pocket quite a bit.
3- Charging issues
It is quite common how many electric cars in the us to have charging issues. They may take more than 24 hours to charge at home while an hour at the station. Moreover, finding charging stations is still a hassle. There are few stations due to the low number of EV cars in usa in operation. Chargers can also cost you an arm or a leg. Besides the price, they are not easy to install. You may need a significant amount of space to install them. Therefore, public complaints regarding charging issues can decrease the demand for Electric cars in the US and raise questions about their reliability.
4- Less demand
Since gasoline cars are still a priority for most of the population in the US, EVs are not in the long run. They may need to catch up due to their emission-intensive manufacture, expensive price tag, and lower consumer demand. People may argue over its cost exceeding its cause. They haven’t accepted their benefits and continue using gas cars. Even with a list of electric vehicles that are more pocket-friendly than most gas cars, the demand for EVs still stands at square one. Awareness and better advertisement may solve the problem.
5- Lower ranges
Gas-powered cars are preferred for their longer ranges as they run on fuel. Despite the obvious impact of EVs on the environment, they are quite deficient in ranges. Their short ranges are due to shorter battery sizes and the fact that you cannot charge them at 100%. A mid-range EV would need frequent recharges, which is more expensive than filling your car with gas or fuel. Therefore, a low driving range may significantly affect Electric vehicle growth in the US. Many long-range EVs have now been introduced that can outmatch gas cars shortly.
Can EV Sales in The US Increase in the Future?
The question is, can we expect a rise in EV sales? Companies are trying hard to generate budget-friendly electric cars for the not-so-elite audience. Moreover, they are trying to increase the EV range by making them more aerodynamic and adding advanced features. Today, electric cars are only treated as a luxury more than a solution. They were created to prevent global warming and be the saviours of our planet’s atmosphere.
However, with the flashy new designs, a new vehicle is added to the list of electric vehicles to show the world each day. They are considered luxury cars that somehow benefit the environment. Eco-conscious people may not hesitate to get them at their earliest convenience; however, normal Americans may struggle with the decision. There is a chance that companies might create a limited number of electric cars in 2024 to be sold with better features. This can increase the usually low demand and intrigue more people into buying them.
Conclusion
Electric cars have kept Americans on edge with their excellent hi-tech features and a purpose to serve. They have struggled to exceed gas car sales; however, the six-figure price tag overshadows their cause. Moreover, the growth in EV sales has been drastic for the past 14 years, but the numbers could be more impressive. We are still unsure how many US electric cars would make it to the mainstream market. Whatever the odds are, EVs will continue to evolve, and their sales might skyrocket with the right amount of effort.
I am Muhammad Waqas and I am dedicated to promoting sustainable vehicles. Observing EV trends, studying the intricacies of the EV industry, and promoting new EV launches fall under my expertise. I have been working in this field for 5 years and making efforts for a sustainable and healthier future.