EV

EVs sell the slowest, sitting on lots 21 days longer than hybrids: Study


(iSeeCars) –

  • In both the new and used car markets, EVs sell the slowest while hybrids sell the fastest
  • The Toyota Highlander Hybrid is the fastest-selling new car at 14.2 days on market, followed by the Mercedes-Benz G-Class and Land Rover Range Rover
  • The Lexus RX 350h is the fastest-selling used car at 12.3 days on market, followed by the Lexus NX 350h and Lexus NX 250
  • Six of the 20 fastest-selling new cars are hybrids, with one EV making the list
  • Eight of the 20 fastest-selling used cars are hybrids, with no EVs on the list

After years of limited supply and rapid turnover, new cars are now languishing on dealer lots. The average new car sells in 54 days, while new EVs take 70.6 days and new hybrids sell in 49.5 days, according to a recent study by iSeeCars.

The analysis of 463,000 new and used car sales from March 2024 found a 21.6 percent slowdown in average days on market for new cars compared to a 30.5 percent increase for used cars. 


“Between the gradual drop in new car pricing and consistent slow-down in their sales pace, it’s like watching a giant machine slowly wind down,” said Karl Brauer, iSeeCars Executive Analyst. “New cars are still more expensive than before Covid, and they’re still selling at a reasonable rate, but the pendulum has clearly swung the other direction.”

Days on Market By Fuel Type

New Car Days to Sell Over the Past Six Months

The new car sales pace continues to slow, a reflection of rising interest rates and reduced consumer spending power due to inflation. These same forces have had an even bigger impact on the electric vehicle sales pace, even as hybrids maintain a roughly 20-day advantage over EVs.

Monthly Average Days on Market for New Cars by Fuel Type – iSeeCars Study
Year Month Overall EVs* Hybrids
2023 10 44.4 57.5 37.2
2023 11 48.9 62.0 42.5
2023 12 53.1 59.2 50.8
2024 1 51.5 57.7 49.2
2024 2 53.3 64.8 49.1
2024 3 54.0 70.6 49.5

* Excluding Tesla

“The average new car and new hybrid have stabilized at around 50 days to sell over the past 4 months,” said Brauer. “But fading electric vehicle demand is reflected in a slowing sales rate that’s now passed 70 days, despite EV production cuts across several automakers.”

Used Car Days to Sell Over the Past Six Months

In stark contrast to new cars, used cars are picking up speed, selling in 34.2 days which is nearly twice as fast two months ago, likely spurred by tax returns as the used car buying season ramps up. As with new EVs, used EVs are selling slower than average, but only slightly slower at 36.4 days. Used hybrids are once again outpacing the average used car, selling in 30.4 days.

Monthly Average Days on Market for 1- to 5-Year-Old Used Cars by Fuel Type – iSeeCars Study
Year Month Overall EVs Hybrids
2023 10 49.2 52.4 46.7
2023 11 58.8 60.2 53.1
2023 12 56.7 55.0 51.9
2024 1 64.8 65.1 52.6
2024 2 49.8 49.5 44.0
2024 3 34.2 36.4 30.4

“While used cars and used EVs track closely in sales pace, hybrids again hold an advantage,” said Brauer. “Their lower fuel costs and lack of range anxiety make hybrids a desirable option for consumers looking to reduce post-purchase operating costs without altering their driving habits.”

Days on Market for New Cars

The 20 Fastest Selling New Cars

Consumers are slower to buy new cars, but those buying are seeking maximum value. 

20 Fastest-Selling New Cars: March 2024 – iSeeCars Study
Rank Model Average Days on Market Average Price
1 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid 14.2 $55,224
2 Mercedes-Benz G-Class 18.7 $206,737
3 Land Rover Range Rover 19.3 $158,893
4 Toyota Sienna Hybrid 22.9 $53,894
5 GMC Canyon 23.0 $49,687
6 Chevrolet Colorado 23.8 $42,158
7 Toyota Grand Highlander 24.4 $52,933
8 Cadillac Escalade 26.2 $110,947
9 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 28.3 $50,646
10 Toyota Corolla 28.5 $25,359
11 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid 29.0 $34,428
12 Toyota GR86 29.3 $34,550
13 Toyota Corolla Hatchback 29.9 $26,655
14 Volvo XC40 Recharge 30.2 $59,532
15 Toyota Prius Prime 30.2 $40,629
16 Toyota Corolla Hybrid 30.6 $27,068
17 Toyota Tacoma 30.7 $45,426
18 Cadillac Escalade ESV 31.0 $113,986
19 Lexus NX 250 31.0 $43,788
20 Toyota Corolla Cross 32.5 $30,860
Overall Average 54.0 $44,476

With 12 of the 20 fastest-selling new cars being Toyotas, and eight of the 20 being hybrids, it’s clear buyers are favoring cars that promise long-term reliability, strong residual value, and low operating costs. 

Interspersed among the logical Toyotas are three luxury SUVs, including the Mercedes-Benz G-Class, Land Rover Range Rover, and Cadillac Escalade, confirming common knowledge – affluent buyers aren’t letting macroeconomic concerns slow them down. One electric vehicle, the Volvo’s XC40 Recharge, makes the top 20 list.

“It’s interesting to see the Toyota Sienna Hybrid, GMC Canyon, and Chevrolet Colorado among the top 10 fastest-selling models,” said Brauer. “A minivan and two midsize pickups further illustrate the demand for practical vehicles to help new car buyers justify their purchase.” 

The 10 Fastest Selling New Electric Vehicles

EVs are among the slowest selling vehicles right now, but when broken out from overall new car sales we see the market again favoring compact and midsize SUVs, even when the powertrains involve motors and batteries.

10 Fastest-Selling New EVs*: March 2024 – iSeeCars Study
Rank Model Average Days on Market Average Price
1 Volvo XC40 Recharge 30.2 $59,532
2 Chevrolet Blazer EV 34.2 $55,365
3 Volvo C40 Recharge 36.4 $59,570
4 Kia EV9 37.8 $69,438
5 Cadillac LYRIQ 40.5 $66,482
6 Hyundai Kona Electric 47.3 $37,727
7 BMW iX 48.2 $99,224
8 Toyota bZ4X 48.3 $48,742
9 BMW i5 52.1 $82,847
10 Hyundai Ioniq 5 55.5 $52,433
EV Average 70.6 $57,900

* Excludes Tesla sales

“Nearly all of these electric vehicles cost more than $50,000, which puts them beyond the reach of most consumers,” said Brauer. “Until electric cars can compete with gasoline-powered models on price they will continue to sell at a slow rate and in small volumes.”

The 20 Slowest-Selling New Cars

All of the slowest-selling used cars take 90 or more days to sell, with the top-ranked Jeep Cherokee taking more than three times the 54-day average, at 169.7 days.

20 Slowest-Selling New Cars: March 2024 – iSeeCars Study
Rank Model Average Days on Market Average Price
1 Jeep Cherokee 169.7 $39,096
2 Mercedes-Benz EQS (sedan) 129.7 $125,496
3 GMC Acadia 126.0 $44,766
4 Hyundai Santa Fe Plug-In Hybrid 125.4 $47,492
5 Lincoln Navigator L 123.3 $103,764
6 Infiniti QX55 111.5 $53,482
7 Infiniti QX80 110.1 $83,109
8 Lexus GX 460 107.3 $66,008
9 Ford Mustang Mach-E 105.6 $50,989
10 Mercedes-Benz EQS (SUV) 105.5 $128,426
11 Buick Enclave 102.1 $51,242
12 Buick Envision 97.7 $39,661
13 Lincoln Navigator 97.4 $101,957
14 Chevrolet Bolt EUV 93.9 $32,245
15 Lexus RZ 450e 93.2 $62,548
16 Ford F-150 Hybrid 91.6 $65,262
17 Genesis GV60 91.1 $63,253
18 Chevrolet Camaro (convertible) 90.9 $48,248
19 Mazda CX-90 90.5 $50,560
20 Lincoln Nautilus 90.3 $57,408
Overall Average 54.0 $44,476

“Many of the slowest-selling models have been available for years in their current form and are due for a redesign,” said Brauer. “We also see a high number of electric models like the Mercedes-Benz EQS and Ford Mustang Mach-E, which are still relatively new to the market but are not generating the same demand they did when introduced.”

The 10 Slowest-Selling New Electric Vehicles

Taking between 81 and 130 days to sell, most of the slowest-selling electric vehicles have been available for only a few years, yet they can’t generate strong interest among new car buyers.

“With the limited number of new electric models available we’re seeing most of them on either the fastest or slowest selling lists,” said Brauer. “Many of these models have seen reduced production in recent months due to slow sales.”

10 Slowest-Selling New EVs*: March 2024 – iSeeCars Study
Rank Model Average Days on Market Average Price
1 Mercedes-Benz EQS (sedan) 129.7 $125,496
2 Ford Mustang Mach-E 105.6 $50,989
3 Mercedes-Benz EQS (SUV) 105.5 $128,426
4 Chevrolet Bolt EUV 93.9 $32,245
5 Lexus RZ 450e 93.2 $62,548
6 Genesis GV60 91.1 $63,253
7 Nissan Ariya 88.2 $52,741
8 Audi Q8 e-tron 85.3 $84,687
9 Hyundai Ioniq 6 83.1 $47,370
10 Volkswagen ID.4 81.8 $48,675
EV Average 70.6 $57,900

* Excluding Tesla

Days on Market for Used Cars

The 20 Fastest Selling Used Cars

The fastest-selling used cars range between 12 to 25 days on market, below the used car average of 34.2 days and notably quicker than the new car average of 54 days.

20 Fastest-Selling 1- to 5-Year-Old Used Cars: March 2024 – iSeeCars Study
Rank Model Average Days on Market Average Price
1 Lexus RX 350h 12.3 $57,229
2 Lexus NX 350h 15.8 $44,419
3 Lexus NX 250 19.8 $38,772
4 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid 20.0 $24,276
5 Lexus IS 500 21.4 $59,489
6 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 21.4 $39,409
7 Lexus NX 350 21.6 $43,328
8 Toyota Corolla Hybrid 21.8 $23,016
9 Mazda MX-5 Miata 22.5 $27,237
10 Honda CR-V Hybrid 22.9 $31,591
11 Ford Maverick Hybrid 23.0 $30,917
12 Subaru Impreza 23.4 $19,990
13 Hyundai Elantra N 23.7 $31,602
14 Lexus ES 250 23.8 $32,246
15 Lexus RX 350 24.0 $40,479
16 Honda Accord Hybrid 24.2 $28,568
17 Lexus IS 300 24.4 $30,457
18 Honda Odyssey 24.9 $32,568
19 Kia Carnival 25.0 $34,706
20 Lexus ES 350 25.1 $34,244
Overall Average 34.2 $31,920

Just as Toyota dominates the fastest-selling new car list, its premium brand Lexus is all over the fastest-selling used car list. With nine total models (five in the top 10), Lexus is appealing to consumers who want both solid value and a premium driving and ownership experience. 

The prominence of hybrids, as well as a compact truck and two minivans, further validates the power of value paired with functionality. 

“Most of the fastest-selling used models scream practical thinking, but the Mazda Miata and Hyundai Elantra N manage to bring a bit of fun to the value equation” said Brauer.

The 10 Fastest-Selling Used Electric Cars

All four of Tesla’s models are among the fastest-selling used EVs, with three of its cars in the top four slots. The recently introduced Rivian R1S is one of the most expensive used EVs you can buy, yet it edges out the Chevrolet Bolt EUV, which is one of the least expensive.

“With an average price of $37,644, the fastest-selling used electric vehicles are $20,000 cheaper than the fastest-selling new EVs,” said Brauer. “This is the pricing gulf manufacturers need to bridge to engage mainstream new-car shoppers.”  

10 Fastest-Selling 1- to 5-Year-Old Used EVs: March 2024 – iSeeCars Study
Rank Model Average Days on Market Average Price
1 Tesla Model 3 26.2 $29,154
2 Tesla Model Y 28.1 $35,584
3 Audi Q4 e-tron 29.1 $40,121
4 Tesla Model X 29.6 $61,293
5 Rivian R1S 31.0 $83,690
6 Chevrolet Bolt EUV 31.7 $24,295
7 Kia EV6 31.9 $35,148
8 Tesla Model S 32.0 $58,527
9 MINI Hardtop 2 Door 33.9 $23,376
10 Porsche Taycan 34.6 $86,738
Used EV Average 36.4 $37,644

The 20 Slowest-Selling Used Cars

These used models take between 56 and 150 days to sell, with premium brands making up 13 of the 20 slowest selling used cars.

20 Slowest-Selling 1- to 5-Year-Old Used Cars: March 2024 – iSeeCars Study
Rank Model Average Days on Market Average Price
1 Genesis GV60 149.9 $53,986
2 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid 78.0 $44,180
3 Mercedes-Benz EQS (SUV) 77.4 $98,147
4 Lincoln Corsair 73.4 $41,111
5 Audi S8 70.2 $79,400
6 Maserati Ghibli 69.8 $43,870
7 Hyundai Ioniq 6 69.7 $37,635
8 Hyundai Santa Fe Plug-In Hybrid 65.6 $37,275
9 Audi RS 5 Sportback 64.6 $59,735
10 Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid 63.2 $28,731
11 Mercedes-Benz EQE (sedan) 63.2 $72,596
12 Audi RS Q8 62.5 $100,000
13 Maserati Quattroporte 62.1 $62,191
14 Chrysler Voyager 61.2 $23,393
15 Volvo S90 58.9 $38,594
16 Mercedes-Benz EQS (sedan) 58.5 $81,603
17 Subaru Solterra 58.4 $37,738
18 Volvo C40 Recharge 57.5 $39,124
19 Audi R8 56.4 $186,719
20 Maserati Levante 56.1 $48,370
Overall Average 34.2 $31,920

“While premium brands dominate the slowest-selling used car list, we also see six mainstream brands, six electric cars, and three hybrids,” said Brauer. “Many of these cars are older designs available for a substantial savings off their new-car equivalent.”

The 10 Slowest-Selling Used Electric Cars

While slow to sell, many of these used EVs can be purchased for less than $40,000, making them a cost-saving alternative to a new car.

10 Slowest-Selling 1- to 5-Year-Old Used EVs: March 2024 – iSeeCars Study
Rank Model Average Days on Market Average Price
1 Genesis GV60 149.9 $53,986
2 Mercedes-Benz EQS (SUV) 77.4 $98,147
3 Hyundai Ioniq 6 69.7 $37,635
4 Mercedes-Benz EQE (sedan) 63.2 $72,596
5 Mercedes-Benz EQS (sedan) 58.5 $81,603
6 Subaru Solterra 58.4 $37,738
7 Volvo C40 Recharge 57.5 $39,124
8 Ford Mustang Mach-E 52.8 $36,336
9 Nissan LEAF 52.0 $17,508
10 Hyundai Kona Electric 50.9 $23,070
Used EV Average 36.4 $37,644

“An electric vehicle has to serve your driving needs,” said Brauer, “but if the range and charging aspects of these models work with your lifestyle, some of them offer an inexpensive path into EV ownership.”

More from iSeeCars.com:

Methodology

iSeeCars analyzed over 463,000 new and used car sales (1- to 5-year-old used cars) from March 2024. The number of days that each car was listed for sale on iSeeCars.com was aggregated at the model level, and the average days on market for each was mathematically modeled. Heavy-duty vehicles, models no longer in production prior to the 2023 model year (for used cars), and low-volume models were excluded from further analysis.

About iSeeCars.com

iSeeCars.com is a data-driven car search and research company that helps shoppers find the best car deals by providing key insights and valuable resources, including the iSeeCars VIN Check report and Best Cars Rankings. iSeeCars has saved users over $414 million so far by applying big data analytics powered by over 25 billion (and growing) data points and using proprietary algorithms to objectively analyze, score and rank millions of new cars and used cars.

This article, EVs Sell the Slowest, Sitting on Lots 21 Days Longer Than Hybrids, originally appeared on iSeeCars.com.



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