Significant Drop in Electric Vehicle Sales Following Tax Incentive Rollback
Electric vehicles (EVs) have seen a stark decline in sales across the country, plummeting by an astonishing 74% from their peak in 2025. This drop follows the recent removal of the $7,500 federal tax incentive, a move encapsulated in the controversial decision known as the "Big Beautiful Bill." According to the latest findings from Cloud Theory's quarterly report on the automotive industry, titled "On the Horizon," the impact of this change is already palpable as crosstown dealerships reflect the fallout.
In the week leading up to the tax incentive's removal, dealer sales surged to a total of 22,997 units. However, just weeks later, in the week of October 6-12, a mere 5,929 units were sold. This substantial shift signals not just a momentary setback but potential long-term implications for the EV market. The reductions were complemented by a dramatic cut to inventories, which dropped nearly 50% from a June peak of 196,255 units to 104,050 units by mid-October.
Among the domestic manufacturers, General Motors leads with 39,164 EVs in stock, followed by Ford at 21,432 and Hyundai with 14,725. In contrast, Japanese automakers appear to be struggling with limited stock—Nissan holds only 419 units, Toyota with 435, and Honda just 2,138. The inventory disparity sheds light on the varying approaches from international competitors, many of whom are opting for caution amid uncertainty over U.S. policies and tariff implications.
Rick Wainschel, Vice President of Data Science and Analytics at Cloud Theory, commented on the situation: "While American automotive manufacturers had built-up considerable EV inventories thanks to aggressive production strategies, many foreign original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) have been more reserved, pulling back their allocations to the U.S. market."
The implications of these shifts extend beyond sales numbers. Overall vehicle inventory has also receded to 2.86 million units, down from a peak of 3.3 million units in December 2024. Additionally, vehicle sales dipped to an average of 1.12 million units per month in the third quarter of 2025—down from 1.18 million per month in the previous quarter. Despite lower demand, pricing trends indicate a slight dip, with the average marketed price for new vehicles reported at $49,537.
Interestingly, the industry has managed to maintain a surplus of Turn Rates despite these inventory and sales challenges. Wainschel notes that while supply has waned over recent months, the movement of vehicles has remained stable. This steadiness has prevented drastic price rises, allowing the automotive landscape to maintain resilience in the face of ongoing market fluctuations.
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As we move into the last months of 2025, the auto industry awaits the political landscape's shifts and how they may further influence the electric vehicle sector's recovery. Insights from Cloud Theory indicate that while the current state is challenging, adaptive strategies could be crucial for the industry's future.