The Hyundai and Kia brands continue to dominate the electrified vehicle market, with record-breaking sales numbers in May. Hyundai reported a total of 87,468 units sold in the U.S. last month, marking a 3% growth compared to the previous year. The surge in sales can be attributed to the increased demand for electrified vehicles, including hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and fully electric models.
Hyundai’s hybrid lineup had its best month ever, with sales skyrocketing by 90% year over year. Models like the Tucson, Santa Fe, Elantra, and Sonata all achieved new May records. The exact sales numbers for the hybrid trims are not specified as Hyundai combines pure gas and hybrid sales. The electric crossover Ioniq 5 continues to be a top seller for Hyundai, with 5,002 units sold in May, marking a 28% increase from the previous year. The Ioniq 9 also saw a significant increase in sales, with 1,145 units sold.
However, the Ioniq 6 experienced a decline in sales, dropping by 85% to just 176 units. This can be attributed to Hyundai phasing out the sedan in the U.S. market. While the 2025 models will still be available until dealer inventory runs out, Hyundai will not be importing the 2026 versions of the Ioniq 6.
On the other hand, Kia also had a stellar month, with the best-ever retail sales totaling 80,502 units and an 11% year-over-year gain. Hybrid trims of models like the Sportage, Carnival, and Sorento all set May records. Kia’s electrified lineup also had its best month in company history, showcasing the increasing popularity of electrified vehicles among consumers.
Overall, the impressive sales streak for Hyundai and Kia’s electrified vehicles reflects the growing trend towards greener and more sustainable transportation options. With the demand for electrified vehicles on the rise, both brands are well-positioned to continue their success in the evolving automotive market. In the world of electrified vehicles, the numbers are in, and it appears that hybrids are still leading the charge. While fully electric models are gaining traction, the bulk of electrified sales are coming from hybrids, showcasing a continued preference for this technology among consumers.
One notable example is the performance of the EV6, which saw a slight decline of 11% to 708 units. Despite this dip, the EV6 remains a popular choice for those interested in electric vehicles. On the other hand, the three-row EV9 exceeded expectations by selling 1,647 units, surpassing its mechanically identical counterpart, the Ioniq 9.
Looking ahead, the company has exciting plans for the future of electric vehicles. They are set to launch the smaller and more affordable EV3 in the U.S. before the end of the year. This new addition to their electric vehicle lineup is expected to appeal to a wider audience and further solidify their position in the electric vehicle market.
Overall, while fully electric models are making strides in the market, hybrids continue to dominate electrified sales. With new and innovative models on the horizon, the future of electrified vehicles looks bright as manufacturers continue to meet the growing demand for sustainable and eco-friendly transportation options.