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All-electric vehicles (EV) come in many different size classes, but the largest share of EV sales in calendar year 2016 were large cars (35%) and standard sport utility vehicles (SUV)(23%). Plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) sales were mainly compact and midsize cars, with 42% and 40% of the market share, respectively. Of the nearly 347,000 hybrid electric vehicles (HEV) sold in 2016, close to three-quarters were midsize cars. There were 17.3 million light vehicles sold in the United States in 2016, more than half were SUVs, pickups, and vans.
Sales Shares by Vehicle Type and Size Class, Calendar Year 2016
Notes:
EV = Electric vehicle, also referred to as a battery electric vehicle (BEV), has only a battery for energy storage and must be recharged from an external source such as a wall outlet or charging station. Example: Nissan LEAF.
PHEV = Plug-in hybrid electric vehicle which draws some of its’ energy from the electrical grid by plugging in but also has an internal combustion engine to extend range once the battery is depleted. Example: Chevrolet Volt.
HEV = Hybrid electric vehicle which is only refueled using gasoline. Example: Toyota Prius.
ALL = All light vehicles sold in the United States.
Supporting Information
| Size Class | EV | PHEV | HEV | ALL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Two-seater car | 1% | 0% | 1% | <1% |
| Minicompact car | 4% | 0% | 0% | <1% |
| Subcompact car | 12% | 3% | 0% | 4% |
| Compact car | 5% | 41% | 10% | 11% |
| Midsize car | 17% | 40% | 63% | 21% |
| Large car | 35% | 2% | 3% | 3% |
| Station Wagon | 3% | 0% | 4% | 2% |
| Small SUV | 0% | 0% | 14% | 29% |
| Standard SUV | 23% | 14% | 5% | 10% |
| Van | 0% | 0% | 0% | 5% |
| Special Purpose Vehicle | 0% | 0% | 0% | 1% |
| Pickup | 0% | 0% | 0% | 14% |
| Total Vehicles Sold | 86,731 | 72,885 | 346,949 | 17.3 million |
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