While EV Registrations Grow Through the First Half Of 2021, Non-Electric Remains Dominant

Published: October 18, 2021 by Guest Contributor

You can’t open an automotive magazine or listen to a podcast without some sort of reference to electric vehicles (EVs). As the industry looks to move toward more sustainable fuels, EVs are making quite a splash.

But how does that hype compare with the numbers? In Experian’s Automotive Market Trends Review: Q2 2021, we looked at the data to better understand EV and internal combustion engine (ICE) registration trends.

EV registration sees significant growth

Through the first half of 2021, electric vehicles comprise just 0.43% of all of vehicles in operation. But that small number has seen significant growth year-over-year. From January – June 2021, EVs made up 2.4% of all new vehicle registrations—which is 117.4% growth year-over-year.

While it will come as no surprise to anyone that Tesla was the dominant brand of all registered EVs, what may be surprising is that its share is decreasing. Through Q2 2020, Tesla held 79.5% of EV registrations, but that has dropped to 66.3% a year later. The difference is due to gains by brands like Chevrolet, which grew from 8.3% to 9.6% year-over-year, along with growth from Ford (5.2%), Nissan (3.9%) and Audi (3.3%).

A graph showing the percentage of electric vehicle registration by brand

With numerous brands promising new EV models in the coming years, market share will be an interesting trend to monitor.

ICE registration trends

Despite significant growth in the EV market, the reality is, ICEs still made up 97.63% of new vehicle registrations in Q2 2021 and will continue to take up the lion’s share for some time, even as more EV models are introduced.

Taking a closer look at the data, we see that Toyota makes up the largest share of new vehicle registrations through the second quarter, making up 13.8% of new vehicle registrations, followed by Ford (11.2%) and Chevrolet (10.5%).

Graph showing new vehicle registration by brand

Crossover vehicles (CUVs) and SUVs continue to be the most popular vehicle segment, growing from 49.5% in Q2 2020 to 53.4% in Q2 2021. The other two most popular segments, sedans and pickups, saw year-over-year decreases. Sedans decreased from 19.4% of new vehicles registered in Q2 2020 to 18.5% in Q2 2021, while trucks declined from 19.9% to 17.3% in the same time frame.

Understanding audiences to market more effectively

Since EVs will remain a small percent of the mix, it’s even more important to understand what’s unique about the consumers who are inclined to purchase them. Leveraging data-based solutions that help identify propensities toward specific vehicle types, such as EVs, can help marketers create messaging that resonates with these consumers, ultimately resulting in a higher return on ad spend.

To learn more about EV and other vehicle registration trends watch the full Automotive Market Trends Review: Q2 2021 webinar.

Driving the Switch: Key EV Features Determining Buyer ...

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Electric vehicles (EVs) continue to gain traction in certain markets. In fact, at the end of 2024, 9.2% of all new retail registrations were electric, up from 8%+ in 2023 and 6%+ in 2022. Clearly, more and more in-market shoppers are leaning towards EVs, but what is actually a determining factor in their decision? A recent Experian survey [1] found 65% of respondents said they prioritize battery life, while 62% consider price, 58% are concerned with range on a full battery and 53% are focused on infrastructure and maintenance. It’s not just EVs, hybrids are getting into the mix While EVs certainly are the buzzword in the industry, it’s not the only alternative fuel type consumers are opting for. For instance, 55% of respondents said they’d consider a new hybrid and 50% said they’d consider a new EV for their next vehicle purchase. On the used side, 38% of respondents said they’d consider an EV and 42% would consider a hybrid. More granularly, the survey revealed 67% of Gen Z and 61% of Millennials are likely to buy a new EV, while 62% and 63% of these groups, respectively, expressed similar intentions for purchasing new hybrid. Gen Z and Millennials also showed a stronger-than-average interest on the used side, with 57% and 49% opting for EVs, and 57% and 52% choosing hybrids. With the younger generations gravitating towards these fuel types, it’s likely going to influence adoption rates down the road, a trend that should be watched closely as manufacturers roll out more models to meet the growing demand. However, when assessing the viewpoints of other generations, some are less likely to purchase an alternative fuel type. Two-in-five, albeit still a healthy percentage, of Gen X respondents said they’re likely to purchase a new EV and only 25% of Baby Boomers shared a similar sentiment. Meanwhile, 27% of Gen X and 12% of Baby Boomers say they’re likely to purchase a used EV. Furthermore, 46% of Gen X and 43% of Baby Boomers indicated they are likely to buy a new hybrid, while 33% and 21% of these groups, respectively, conveyed similar thoughts towards purchasing used hybrids. It’s crucial for professionals to stay attuned to shifting trends and concerns among consumers, as these factors play a role in consumer decision-making. By addressing potential setbacks and knowing where their target audience is, they can better align their strategies with consumer needs as these fuel types continue to move up on the list for everyday commuters. To learn more about EV insights, visit Experian Automotive’s EV Resource Center. [1] Experian commissioned Atomik Research to conduct an online survey of 2,005 adults throughout the United States. The sample consists of adults who estimate they will purchase or lease their next vehicle within the next 24 months or sooner. The margin of error is +/- 2 percentage points with a confidence level of 95 percent. Fieldwork took place between March 24 and March 27, 2025.

Published: April 30, 2025 by Kirsten Von Busch