Car sales slowed in the third quarter of 2021 as supply problems kept new car prices high and potential shoppers at home. But sales of two types of cars actually grew, even under those conditions.
Overall car sales slowed by 13% between July and September, but sales of electrified cars surged by nearly 60%, according to Kelley Blue Book’s Branch Watch report.
“Electrified cars” is a category that includes both hybrids and pure electric cars.
The KBB Brand Watch report is a consumer perception survey that also weaves in consumer shopping behavior to determine how a brand or model stacks up with its segment competitors in a dozen factors key to a consumer’s buying decision.
Change Happening Fast
Car shoppers seem to be opening their minds to electrification quickly. In the second quarter, 20% of shoppers considered a hybrid or an electric car. That was already a record high. In the third quarter, the number jumped to 24%.
The data reveal that 18% of shoppers considered a hybrid, and 9% considered an electric car (the total adds up to 24% because some shoppers looked at both options).
More Than 1 Million Sold So Far in 2021
By the end of the third quarter, Americans had bought more than 1 million electrified cars – 10% of total vehicle sales.
The list of the 10 most-often considered electrified cars reveals two trends that have held steady all year – Toyota dominates hybrid sales, while Tesla has control of the electric vehicle (EV) market.
Toyota, Tesla Stand Out
Four of the top 10 most-shopped electrified cars were Toyota hybrids, including the overall winner – the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. But there’s a newcomer to the list that could be enticing shoppers who haven’t had many hybrid options before. The Ford Maverick Hybrid compact truck has barely begun rolling into dealerships. But it’s already cracked the top 10, finishing seventh.
Tesla, meanwhile, placed three of its EVs in the top 10. Only one other manufacturer placed an EV on the list – Ford, with its Mustang Mach-E.
The Ten Most-Considered Electrified Cars:
- Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
- Honda CR-V Hybrid
- Tesla Model 3
- Tesla Model Y
- Toyota Highlander Hybrid
- Toyota Camry Hybrid
- Ford Maverick Hybrid
- Toyota Prius Hybrid
- Ford Mustang Mach-E
- Tesla Model S
