The Californian drives a Tesla Model Y, Model 3 registrations, and a Jeep Wrangler Hybrid as well

The Tesla Model Y and Model 3 remain popular in California, while the Chevrolet Bolt EV and Jeep Wrangler hybrid models also saw strong new vehicle registrations, according to the California New Car Dealers Association (CNCDA).

The three best-selling battery electric vehicles (BEV) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) in Q3 were the Tesla Model Y, Tesla Model 3, and Chevy Bolt. CNCDA said that fourth place was taken by the Jeep Wrangler (the best-selling PHEV on the list).

California is the largest electric vehicle market in the United States and a leader in national sales.

Tesla recorded 60,061 registrations in the third quarter, up 43 percent from 41,991 registrations in the third quarter of last year.

Total electric registrations so far during September have surpassed 2022 numbers, with a total of 291,518, compared to 260,072 for all of 2022.

“California’s battery electric vehicle market share is still just over 21 percent in the first nine months of 2023. That’s a big difference from the nation’s battery electric vehicle market share, which amounts to just 7.4 percent of sales ( From the beginning of the year until now),” the committee said. He said.

Rivian — which makes electric pickups and SUVs — has seen a sharp rise in registrations, albeit starting from a small base. Rivian had 2,825 registrations in the third quarter, up 152.5 percent from 1,119 registrations in last year’s third quarter.

CNCDA said the leaders in the plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV) market in the third quarter were Jeep (which accounted for 29.8 percent), Toyota (accounted for 17.6 percent), followed by BMW (accounted for 12.8 percent).

Despite its severe struggles with its overall electric vehicle strategy, General Motors’ Chevy Bolt continues to post good numbers in California. Bolt has seen more than 15,000 registrations in California year to date.

“While internal combustion engine vehicles account for 64.6 percent of the share of new vehicle sales in the state, sales declined from 71.6 percent in 2022,” CNCDA said.

Electric, hybrid and fuel cell vehicle sales in the state accounted for 35.4 percent year-to-date compared to 11.6 percent in 2018, according to CNCDA.

Tesla remains the leader in electric vehicle market share in California, but the latest numbers show its lead shrinking as traditional automakers roll out new electric vehicle models, according to the association.

“Tesla showed a significant decline in sales with an 8.9 percent loss in share (when comparing its 22nd YTD to 23rd year numbers). Mercedes and BMW show the highest increases in battery electric vehicle sales in California, with 2.6 and 2.5 percent of the share, respectively.