Used EV Sales Hit Record Market Share in US as Prices Fall

Used electric vehicle sales in the United States continued to climb in September 2026, reaching an estimated 47,862 units as falling prices and more used EVs entering the market attracted more buyers.

According to a new report from Cox Automotive, used EV sales rose 12.3% from August and 21.2% compared to September 2025. That pushed their share of the overall used vehicle market to a record 3.3%, compared with 2.9% in August.

Used EV Share of U.S. Used-Vehicle Sales, January–September 2026

Share of total used-vehicle sales (%), as reported in each monthly EV Market Monitor. Bars scaled to 4%.

Jan

2.1%

Feb

2.0%

Mar

2.5%

Apr

2.8%

May

2.8%

Jun

2.4%

Jul

2.4%

Aug

2.8%

Sep

3.3%

September’s 3.3% is a record, per Cox. The September report restates August’s share as 2.9% (first reported as 2.8%). Source: Cox Automotive, EV Market Monitor.

The growth comes as the broader US EV market continues adjusting to the expiration of federal tax credits in 2025. As Drive Tesla previously reported, Tesla captured approximately 54% of new EV sales during the third quarter, despite challenging conditions for the industry.

However, while new EV sales have struggled, the used market is benefiting from an increasing number of vehicles coming off lease, giving buyers more affordable options.

Tesla remained the best-selling used EV brand in September, posting a 3.3% month-over-month sales gain. Chevrolet and Ford recorded stronger gains of 21.3% and 17.1%, respectively, while Nissan jumped 37.8%.

The Tesla Model Y also continued attracting buyers, recording a 13.8% monthly sales increase.

Affordability is playing a major role. The average used EV listing price declined 1.8% to $36,767 (C$51,830), narrowing the price premium over comparable gas and hybrid (ICE+) vehicles to just 6.2%.

Used EV inventory is also moving faster. Days’ supply dropped to 35 days, compared to 46 days for ICE+ vehicles. Tesla had the tightest supply among major brands at just 27 days.

Meanwhile, new EV sales fell 40.7% year-over-year to an estimated 86,632 vehicles last month.

With more off-lease vehicles expected to enter the market, used EVs could continue gaining ground, particularly as the price gap with gasoline-powered alternatives narrows.

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