AUTO

GM EV Sales Smash Past 21,000 Units In August And Buyers Are Rushing In Before Time Runs Out

September 3, 2025

GM just smashed past 21,000 EV sales in August and buyers are scrambling before tax credits vanish.
Federal EV tax credits end September 30, setting off a last-chance buying frenzy that pushed sales through the roof.
GM says access to 100,000 fast-charging stations by 2027 could change how you road trip forever.

General Motors (GM) sold more than 21,000 electric vehicles in the U.S. last August, their highest monthly total on record. So what fueled the rush? The federal EV tax credit of up to $7,500 is set to expire on September 30, 2025, and shoppers hurried to lock in the savings.

Duncan Aldred, GM’s Senior Vice President for North America, described it as “our best month ever for EV sales”. The company’s position as the number two EV seller in the country comes down to strong demand for models like the Chevrolet Equinox EV, the Cadillac LYRIQ, and the GMC Sierra EV, all snapped up by buyers racing to secure the credit.

A man speaks with a GM rep next to Chevrolet, Cadillac, and GMC electric vehicles at Electrify Expo, highlighting LFP and LMR battery tech in action. — _{Visitors check out GM electric SUVs at Electrify Expo, highlighting the surge in GM EV sales as buyers rushed to secure tax credits.}

And while August was red‑letter, slowing is expected after the credit disappears. GM itself said, “We will almost certainly see a smaller EV market for a while, and we won’t overproduce.”

In fact, some competitors have already reduced production or scaled back their EV plans, a development GM views as useful in preventing the market from being flooded with discounted vehicles.

So what keeps GM confident? A diverse line-up that covers every angle. On the affordable end you have the Equinox EV and the soon-to-arrive Bolt.

For luxury, Cadillac holds the spotlight. Then there are the high-range pickups and SUVs carrying the Chevrolet, GMC, and HUMMER names. On top of that, GM is heavily involved in expanding charging access with companies like EVGo and IONNA, expecting 65,000 fast-charging stations nationwide by the end of this year and roughly 100,000 by 2027. That is an increase of over 50% in just three years.

The U.S. EV market remains highly price-sensitive. With the federal credit expiring, average EV transaction prices, which hovered near $48,000 in July after incentives, are expected to climb above typical gas-car pricing unless manufacturers continue heavy discounts.

GM Q3 Results Show Strong Revenue Higher 2024 Forecasts and EV Momentum - GMC Hummer EV SUV Pickup Truck Electrify Expo — _{Crowds gather around the GMC Hummer EV at Electrify Expo, reflecting GM’s strong August EV sales and growing consumer interest.}

Those discounts, however, quickly cut into profit margins. Cox Automotive has already reported that U.S. EV sales slipped 6.3% year-over-year in the second quarter and predicted a sharp rise in the third quarter as buyers rushed to secure incentives, followed by a steep downturn in the fourth.

Still, GM’s mix of electric models, strong ties with dealers, and loyal customer base, combined with its gas-powered lineup, gives the company a level of flexibility that EV-only automakers lack. For now, GM intends to slow production rather than pile up excess vehicles or cut prices aggressively.