If you’re trying to decide between a 2024 Lexus RZ vs Tesla Model Y, chances are you live in one of the states with the highest rate of EV adoption.
The state with the highest rate of adoption by far is California. Other states with high rates include Hawaii, Washington, Oregon, Colorado, Nevada, and New Jersey.
California Boasts the Highest Number of EVs
California leads the way with the most electric vehicles on the road at 1.1 million. Florida is a distant second with 231,000, and Texas is third with 210,000. When you look at EV registrations per 100,000 people, California is also way ahead with 3,026. Washington is second with 1,805, and Hawaii is third with 1,686. Other states with at least 1,000 EV registrations per 100,000 people include Oregon, Colorado, Nevada, New Jersey, Arizona, Vermont, DC, Utah, Maryland, and Florida.
States With the Lowest EV Adoption Rate
The state with the fewest EVs per 100,000 people is Mississippi with only 110. North Dakota also has a very low number with only 112 EVs per 100,000 people. Other states with 300 or fewer EVs per 100,000 people include Louisiana, South Dakota, Arkansas, Alabama, Kentucky, and Iowa. As you might expect, states in the south and middle of the country have the fewest number of EVs. When it comes to charging stations, California also has the most with double the amount that you’ll find in New York, Florida, or Texas.
EV Sales Increase in California and the United States
EV sales are up in 2024 to the tune of 8% of total vehicles sold, which is higher than the 7.2% number from last year. Most of the jump can be attributed to increasing sales in California. Sales are likely to increase in the future as charging infrastructure becomes more plentiful and reliable. Goldman Sachs Research predicts that EV sales will make up half of all car sales internationally by 2035. Bloomberg forecasts that there will be more public EV chargers than gas stations in the United States in eight years.
Why Are EV Sales Going Up?
There are a few factors contributing to the rising sales of EVs. One is the higher cost of fuel, but other factors include more EV choices, better EV performance, and the federal EV tax credit. The credit has been extended to 2032 and includes a $7,500 credit for people who buy EV models. The exact amount of the credit varies based on the EV model. EV models are capable of doing everything a gas car can do and most people can get a full charge for daily driving by charging the EV at home overnight.
Top EV Models Sold
Tesla remains on top of the heap for EV models sold, though many other automakers are taking a market share these days. Other than comparing the 2024 Lexus RX vs Tesla Model Y, the Tesla Model Y is by far the top EV sold in the US with 101,301 units sold in the last quarter. The Tesla Model 3 takes the number two spot with 42,710 units sold, and the Ford Mustang Mach E is third with 12,645 units sold.
Other top models sold include the Hyundai IONIQ 5, the Tesla Cybertruck, the Rivian R1S SUV, the Ford F-150 Lightning, the Toyota BZ4X, the Cadillac LYRIQ, and the BMW i4 Gran Coupe.
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