January Auto Sales Show EV Share Drop to 5.3 Percent

S&P Global Mobility released its January 2026 estimate on February 3. It put total United States light vehicle sales at 1.13 million units for the month, which it said equates to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 15.2 million.

The same estimate put battery electric vehicles at 5.3% of new vehicle sales in January. That was down from the 7.8% share S&P reported for December 2025.

Cox Automotive described a slow start to the year as buyers and dealers reset after year end incentive activity. Cox also pointed to winter weather as a near term drag on showroom traffic and deliveries.

S&P made a similar point on weather. It cited severe winter storms across parts of the Midwest and Northeast. Those regions are large new vehicle markets, and reduced foot traffic tends to show up quickly in monthly totals.

The January mix change matters because it arrives at a moment when supply is still building. Cox said the days supply of EVs on dealer lots climbed above 110 days in mid January. The industry often treats about 60 days as a healthier level for overall inventory.

The data does not answer the most important question yet. It is too early to say whether January marks a durable shift in demand for battery electric vehicles or a temporary dip after a strong December. February and March will be the next check, because those months capture more of the normal selling season and give automakers time to respond with pricing and production changes.