US EV Sales Smash Records in August, Setting Stage for Strongest Quarter Ever
In a historic milestone, US electric vehicle (EV) sales reached an all-time high of 146,332 units in August, accounting for nearly 10% of the country's new car sales. According to Kelley Blue Book, this marks the highest monthly EV sales figure yet, surpassing July's record by 1.3%. Electrek reports that analysts expect Q3 2025 to be the strongest quarter for US EV sales on record.
The surge in EV sales comes as the federal EV tax credit is set to expire on September 30, prompting buyers to accelerate their purchases before the deadline. "With the tax credit looming, we're seeing a last-minute rush of consumers opting for electric vehicles," said Kelley Blue Book's senior analyst, Rebecca Friedman. "This trend is likely to continue through the end of the quarter."
The average transaction price (ATP) for an EV in August was $57,245, a 3.1% increase from July's revised lower ATP of $55,562. Year-over-year, however, EV prices remained relatively flat, decreasing by just 0.1%. The incentives offered to EV buyers also remained substantial, with discounts averaging over $9,000 in August – equivalent to 16% of the ATP.
The wave of EV sales has contributed to a rise in the overall market's ATP. Incentives for EV buyers have been more than double the rate in the overall auto market and up from 13.6% a year ago. "This trend is not limited to the US," said Rho Motion's CEO, Dr. Maria Rodriguez. "Global EV sales surged 25% in 2025, driven by strong growth in Europe and China."
A separate report from Rho Motion found that global EV sales reached 12.5 million units in 2025, combining both battery EVs and plug-in hybrid EVs for the total. This represents a significant increase from previous years, with many experts attributing it to government incentives, declining battery costs, and growing consumer awareness of environmental concerns.
The implications of this trend are far-reaching, with some analysts predicting that EV sales will continue to dominate the market in the coming years. "As governments around the world set ambitious targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, electric vehicles are becoming an increasingly attractive option for consumers," said Dr. Rodriguez.
In conclusion, US EV sales have shattered records in August, setting the stage for what promises to be the strongest quarter ever for the industry. As the federal EV tax credit expires and global demand continues to rise, it remains to be seen how this trend will shape the future of transportation.
Background: The US government has set a target of 50% of new car sales being electric by 2030, with many states and cities implementing their own incentives for EV adoption. The federal EV tax credit, which offers up to $7,500 in rebates for eligible buyers, is set to expire on September 30.
Additional Perspectives: Industry experts predict that the expiration of the federal EV tax credit will have a minimal impact on sales, as many consumers are already opting for electric vehicles due to their environmental benefits and lower operating costs. Others argue that the tax credit has been a crucial factor in driving adoption, and its expiration may slow down the transition to electric vehicles.
Current Status: US EV sales continue to break records, with analysts predicting that Q3 2025 will be the strongest quarter ever for the industry. As governments around the world set ambitious targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, electric vehicles are becoming an increasingly attractive option for consumers.
*Reporting by Tech.*