Tesla dominates California sales, threatening Toyota’s reign

The California New Car Dealers Association (CNCDA) has released its second quarter 2023 California Auto Outlook report, which displayed a record success for Tesla’s two best-selling vehicles. 

According to data from CNCDA and projections from multiple partners, the increase in plug-in electric car sales, particularly all-electric car sales, has considerably outperformed the general market.

California saw an 11.6% year-over-year increase in new light vehicle registrations during the first half of 2023, reaching 905,752 vehicles.

Around 220,624 new plug-in vehicles were registered in California during the first half of the year, representing more than 24% of the market. Although the CNCDA observed its adjusted data for prior years downward, which prevents us from calculating the exact progress, the year-over-year rise is projected to be greater than 40%.

Through harsher legislation, California has long been in front of the rest of the U.S. regarding EVs and other sustainable technologies. Additionally, stricter policies have aided Tesla in thriving in this sizable vehicle market, which is more significant than in other countries.

To illustrate, the best-selling vehicles CNCDA reported are as follows: 

• Tesla Model 3: sold 41,718 units a year to date (through June 2023)
• Tesla Model Y: sold 74,765 units a year to date (through June 2023)

The next best are far behind:

• Toyota Camry with 27,169 units 
• Toyota RAV4 with 26,032 units.

In California, Tesla dethroned Toyota in the second quarter for the first time. For example, Tesla sold just north of 69,000 units compared to Toyota’s 67,000 units. 

Data Source: Experian Automotive.

Further Reading

California asks for EPA approval on ambitious electric vehicle requirements

Think tank studies potential impacts of California’s EV mandate

California dealers are responsible for gaining BEV sales in Q1