Used electric vehicles captured a record 3.3% of U.S. used-vehicle sales in September 2026, according to Cox Automotive’s EV Market Monitor. Estimated sales reached 47,862, increasing 12.3% from August and 21.2% from a year earlier.
Tesla retained the used-EV sales lead. Nissan and Chevrolet also recorded strong monthly gains, with the Ariya and Equinox EV leading model-level growth.
Inventory tightened as sales increased. Used-EV days’ supply dropped 16.7% from August to 35 days, versus 46 days for the broader non-EV comparison group—the largest gap of 2026. Days’ supply measures available inventory against the recent sales pace.
The average used-EV listing price declined 1.8% from August to $36,767, although it remained 6.4% above September 2025. The average price premium over Cox’s ICE+ comparison group narrowed to $2,137. These are market averages, not comparisons of otherwise equivalent vehicles.
Cox reports that more used EVs, including lease returns, are supporting availability and sales. For independent dealers, the findings warrant a closer look at local EV demand, acquisition costs, and retail pricing when making stocking decisions.
