AUTO

November EV Sales Data Tells a Much Better Story Than the Headlines

December 16, 2025

Used EV sales rose over 14% in November, with dozens of models under $30,000, including popular Teslas priced in the mid-$20K range.
New EV inventory climbed to 149 days of supply, giving buyers more choice, stronger leverage, and better incentive conversations.
Even after the tax credit expired, year-to-date EV sales still edged past last year, proof that interest slowed but stayed alive.

The electric vehicle market had a quiet moment in November, and honestly, that pause might be healthier than it looks at first glance. Think of it less as a stumble and more as a deep breath.

After years of rapid growth, incentives flying, and inventory struggling to keep up, the market finally slowed enough to let buyers catch their bearings. And that creates opportunity.

_{Shoppers checking out a Chevrolet Equinox EV at Electrify Expo, highlighting growing EV inventory, hands-on interest, and buyer choice during November market cooling.}

New EV sales reached roughly 70,000 units in November. Yes, that figure sat lower than last year, but the context matters. The federal tax credit sunset changed buyer behavior almost overnight, and shoppers responded by waiting. Not walking away. Waiting.

That distinction matters. Even with the slowdown, year-to-date EV sales still sit slightly higher than last year, which says demand stayed present, just more deliberate.

Stephanie Valdez Streaty from Cox Automotive framed it with refreshing realism, noting that the industry is adjusting to a post-incentive environment and working through balance. Translation, manufacturers and dealers finally get clear feedback from buyers, without artificial urgency attached to rebates. Markets mature this way. Slowly, sometimes awkwardly, but with clarity.

Inventory levels tell a surprisingly positive story for consumers. New EV days’ supply climbed to 149 days in November, the highest level seen since early 2024. That sounds alarming until you flip the perspective.

More vehicles on the lot means more choice, better availability, and stronger negotiating power for buyers. Dealers finally have room to compete on price, features, and financing, instead of apologizing for empty showrooms.

Pricing responded exactly as economics textbooks promise. The average transaction price for a new EV eased slightly to just under $59,000, according to Kelly Blue Book. Incentives came back into play, covering more than 13% of that price on average.

Visitors gather at a Tesla display during Electrify Expo, exploring EVs as buyers rush to secure federal tax credits before deadlines. — _{Attendees checking out Tesla electric vehicles at Electrify Expo.}

The premium over gas vehicles narrowed again. Not vanished, but narrowed enough to feel reachable for many households running the numbers on monthly payments.

Tesla continued to anchor the market, selling close to 40,000 vehicles and maintaining a majority share. Its pricing stayed below the segment average, which quietly keeps pressure on competitors to sharpen value.

Rivian delivered one of the most encouraging signals, posting year-over-year growth and gaining momentum month to month. Ford, Chevrolet, and Hyundai held steady positions, each navigating inventory and pricing with slightly different playbooks.

The used EV market quietly stole the spotlight. Sales climbed more than 14% from last year, landing above 28,000 units for November. Prices softened again, with average listings near $36,000.

That pricing brings dozens of electric models below $30,000, with popular choices like the Tesla Model 3 sitting comfortably in the mid-$20,000 range. For buyers focused on value and everyday usefulness, that change actually matters.

Used EV supply stayed disciplined at 46 days, well below gas vehicle levels for another month. That balance supports stable pricing and healthier resale confidence, two factors that matter deeply to buyers who think long-term.

Brands varied widely, with Tesla running particularly tight inventories and others offering broader selection. Choice, again, favors the shopper.

_{Visitors inspecting the features of a Ford F-150 Lightning at Electrify Expo.}

From my seat, this really comes down to trust. Buyers want to feel steady footing under their feet. Same pricing logic month to month. Incentives that make sense and stay visible. Ownership costs that feel predictable instead of fuzzy.

When people understand what they are signing up for, hesitation drops fast. Aligning production with what people actually buy, and using incentives with intention, feels smart and grounded.

That kind of thinking builds confidence over time, without drama or doom baked into it.

Sometimes progress looks quiet. And sometimes, quiet works in everyone’s favor.