Key facts
- US EV sales experienced a 27% drop in Q1 2026 and a 46% drop in Q4 2025.
- Ford ended production of the F-150 Lightning, Nissan axed the Ariya, and Acura stopped building the ZDX by the end of 2025.
- Volkswagen has paused production of the ID. Buzz until 2027.
- Hyundai has discontinued the standard Ioniq 6 in the US, citing declining sedan sales.
- Hyundai has also paused imports for the 2026 Kona Electric, with a potential return for the 2027 model year.
- Kia's Niro EV is reportedly being discontinued, while its hybrid version will continue.
American electric vehicle sales have faced significant headwinds, leading several automakers to cut or pause production of certain EV models. The decline in sales, exacerbated by the expiration of the $7,500 federal tax credit for US-made EVs in September 2025, has prompted a strategic reassessment by manufacturers.
Cox Automotive data indicates a 27% drop in EV deliveries in the first quarter of 2026, following a substantial 46% plunge in the final quarter of 2025. This slowdown has directly impacted model lineups on US dealership lots.
By the close of 2025, Ford ceased production of its F-150 Lightning, Nissan discontinued the Ariya, and Acura stopped manufacturing the ZDX. Volkswagen has also opted to pause production of its ID. Buzz model until 2027.
This trend has continued into 2026 with Hyundai confirming the discontinuation of the standard Ioniq 6 sedan in the US. The automaker cited a general decline in sedan sales and insufficient sales volume for the Ioniq 6 to justify US production. While the Ioniq 6 will still be available in Canada, Hyundai plans to import a limited number of the higher-performance Ioniq 6 N models to the US. The automaker noted that its Ioniq 5 SUV, which is assembled in the US, continues to perform well.
Hyundai has also paused imports for the 2026 Kona Electric, one of its earlier mass-market EVs. While 2025 models remain available, the company indicated the model might return for the 2027 model year. The Kona Electric was noted as one of the more affordable EVs in the US market.
Further impacting the EV landscape, Kia is reportedly considering discontinuing its Niro EV, though its hybrid counterpart is expected to remain available. These adjustments are occurring even as many of these brands have next-generation EV models in development, aiming for lower costs, extended range, and faster charging capabilities.