Tesla Leads California EV Market with 54.5% Share Despite Rising Competition

Tesla continues to lead California’s electric vehicle market, holding a 54.5% share in 2024, according to recent data from the California New Car Dealers Association. Despite rising competition and a slight decline in sales, Tesla’s popular models, especially the Model Y, continue to outpace rivals.

Tesla Sells 159,619 EVs in California Through Q3, Maintains Lead Despite Market Share Dip

Tesla maintains its long-standing tradition of dominating the sale of electric vehicles in California. Despite increasing competitors and models attempting to erode its market share, Tesla maintains most of the EV segment in the Golden State.

Tesla continued to account for 54.5 percent of electric vehicle sales in California in 2024 despite losing 8.5 percent of its market share compared to the previous year during the same period.

According to data from the California New Car Dealers Association (CNCDA), Tesla sold 159,619 vehicles during the first three quarters of the year, a decrease from the 182,689 cars it sold in 2023 through Q3.

Despite the decline, no single company has significantly disturbed Tesla's market share dominance.

Hyundai's market share is a mere 5.6 percent, trailing Tesla's 54.5 percent. BMW, with a five percent share, occupies the third position.

Tesla's sales are nearly ten times greater than its closest competitors; however, the CNCDA has observed that this is the first instance of a full year of declines.

“The company’s sales continue to slip, losing 8.5 percent market share compared to last year. This marks a full year of registration declines for Tesla in California, leaving the “alternative powertrain door” open for traditional automakers. Manufacturers and dealers have embraced this shift, expanding their share of battery electric vehicle (BEV) sales to 40.2 percent as consumers increasingly turn to exciting, new electric vehicle (EV) options.”

Model Y Tops EV Registrations in California as Tesla Remains the Key Market Leader

Kia, BMW, and Hyundai increased their market share by 1.4, 1.3, and 1.3 percent, respectively. However, Tesla will significantly impact these brands' market share gains once a critical event occurs, per Teslarati.

It was another quarter for the Model Y. It was the most popular BEV and PHEV, with 105,693 registrations, surpassing the Model 3's 37,219.

The Model Y was also the most popular vehicle in the light truck and luxury compact SUV categories. The Model 3 was the most popular near-luxury vehicle, while the Model S was the most popular luxury and high-end sports car. The Model X was the second most popular luxury mid-size SUV.