Record Sales in May for Hybrid and Plug-In Cars in U.S.

WASHINGTON--June 5, 2013: -- The Electric Drive Transportation Association (EDTA) today released the May 2013 Electric Drive Sales Dashboard, showing a record number of hybrid and plug-in vehicle sales in the U.S., continuing the steady market rollout.     

Automakers reported that 48,796 hybrids were sold last month, showing a larger increase than the overall automobile sales market.  This brings the total number of hybrids sold this year to 212,711, which is 14 percent higher than year-to-date hybrid sales at this point last year. 

7,754 vehicles that can be plugged into the grid were sold in May 2013.  Now with more plug-in hybrid and battery electric models available to American consumers, at prices to match a wider array of budgets, this is the highest sales month since their mass market introduction in late 2010.   Cumulative 2013 year-to-date sales of plug-in vehicles hit 32,305, while overall plug-in sales reached 103,220 in just over two years.      

"Surpassing the 100,000 mark for plug-in sales is an important milestone for this industry, but we're just getting started," said EDTA President Brian Wynne.  "Consumers and critics alike are experiencing and connecting with these cars, fueling significant growth trends." 

The numbers reveal a compelling narrative for all of the electric drive technologies. Last month's sales are more than double the 3,378 plug-in vehicles that were sold in May of 2012, a 130 percent increase over last year.  The 32,305 cumulative year-to-date sales for 2013 is a 123 percent increase over the 14,519 plug-in sales sold up to this point in 2012.   A sales chart and table of these figures is available on the EDTA webpage at Electric Drive .

"With constantly advancing technology and building consumer confidence, the electric drive industry is well positioned to carry this momentum forward," Wynne continued. "It's no surprise that gasoline prices are spiking again, but now motorists have real alternatives to the monopoly fuel.  These cars use far less gasoline than their combustion engine counterparts - or no gas at all.  Not to mention they're incredibly fun to drive."

These sales trends will make for a timely conversation at EDTA's annual conference next week, where leaders and experts from across the supply chain will meet in Washington, D.C.  The conference runs at the Wardman Park Marriott from June 10-12.