Electric vehicles (EVs) are exploding in popularity across Massachusetts. Attractive state incentives, expanding public charging infrastructure, pro-environment policy reforms and rapidly improving EV model options have aligned to make Massachusetts a leader in mass EV adoption nationwide.
But which electric models have emerged as the biggest hits with eco-conscious Bay State motorists during this pivotal moment? Let‘s count down Massachusetts‘ 9 best-selling EVs right now and analyze the keys to their local success.
Surging Statewide EV Sales
First, it‘s worth understanding the sheer scale of EV sales growth in Massachusetts recently. Data illustrates a phenomenal boom underway:
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According to Massachusetts Vehicle Census figures, the state‘s roads were home to around 130,000 registered electric vehicles as of September 2022. This reflects an incredible 337% expansion over the approx 32,500 EVs registered back in 2018.
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New EV sales are rocketing too. Experian data shows around 15,700 new electric vehicle registrations occurred in Q2 2022 alone – more than 5 times higher than five years earlier.
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The trajectory looks steeply upward from here too. Massachusetts has set a goal of reaching 750,000 registered EVs statewide by 2035 based on current growth trends.
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Share of EVs as a proportion of all vehicles registered has correspondingly grown from around 0.5% in 2018 to approximately 2.1% by late 2022. However, Massachusetts remains below leader California‘s EV share of 12%.
Clearly the transition to electric motoring is building serious momentum. Now let‘s analyze the specific EV models finding particular favor during this pivotal transition moment.
| EV Model | Q1 2022 Sales | Q2 2022 Sales | Share of Q2 EV Sales |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tesla Model 3 | 4,069 | 4,972 | 49.4% |
| Ford Mustang Mach-E | 1,369 | 1,619 | 16.1% |
| Chevrolet Bolt Series | 1,162 | 1,139 | 11.3% |
| Hyundai IONIQ 5 | 514 | 732 | 7.3% |
| Volkswagen ID.4 | 492 | 624 | 6.2% |
*Source: Experian Quarterly Automotive Quarterly New Registrations Report
1. Tesla Model 3
As the sales figures clearly highlight, the Tesla Model 3 is by far the #1 electric vehicle choice among Massachusetts drivers. An incredible 49.4% of all new EV registrations in Q2 2022 were Model 3s – more than double its nearest segment rival.
In fact, Teslas of all models accounted for a full 59.9% of the state‘s booming electric car sales last quarter. Reasons for the Model 3‘s runaway success include:
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Familiarity – As America‘s best-selling EV maker, Tesla enjoys unmatched public profile. Model 3 tops overall US luxury car sales too.
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Performance – Available Long Range and Performance variants deliver 315-353 mile range. 0-60mph as quick as 3.1 seconds satisfies driving enthusiasts.
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Charging network – Tesla‘s vast 1,400+ station Supercharger network enables convenient long trips.
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Constant innovation – Regular over-the-air software upgrades bring fresh capabilities.
Starting at $46,990, the Model 3 balances eco-mileage via electrification with the excitement, status and convenience Tesla ownership offers. For Massachusetts mainstream buyers and luxury-leaning consumers alike, it‘s an irresistible combo.
2. Ford Mustang Mach-E
The recently introduced Ford Mustang Mach-E has also won over Bay Staters in droves, seizing over 16% of Q2 2022 EV sales for second place. Appeal factors for Ford‘s sleek electric SUV include:
- Mustang-inspired style proving head-turning on roads
- Familiarity of legendary Mustang badge
- Smooth, quiet yet pleasingly rapid accelerator response
- Leading range of up to 314 miles from optional extended battery
An intuitive 15.5" vertical touchscreen adds high-tech appeal inside, with standard driver assist features adding everyday value. Available all-wheel drive and ‘Untamed‘ modes boosting acceleration and handling dynamics cater to performance fans too.
With Mach-E, Ford leverages decades of Mustang heritage and trust in their brand to nail the electric transition. The Mach-E evidently resonates with Massachusetts motorists seeking an exciting made-in-America electric vehicle alternative to Tesla.
3. Chevrolet Bolt Series
The Chevrolet Bolt EV and slightly larger, SUV-esque Bolt EUV ranked third in Massachusetts Q2 EV sales combined. Explaining 11.3% segment share.
As General Motors‘ most affordable electric models by far, the Bolt twins offer a radically more accessible entry-point to EV ownership – with MSRPs as low as $26,595.
Prime customer appeal factors include:
- $10k cheaper than average new US EV price of around $36k
- EPA-estimated range still up to 259 miles
- Peppy acceleration thanks to 200 torque horsepower electric motor
- Solid standard infotainment and safety tech loadout
For cost-conscious drivers, Chevy‘s value-leading Bolt series removes upfront price as an EV barrier in one easy step. Growing charging access further alleviates range concerns to make permanent combustion-to-electric transition a realistic, financial pain-free move.
Why Such Surging Demand?
With early adopters already switched, what‘s suddenly compelling more mainstream Massachusetts motorists towards EVs though?
It comes down to two key drivers:
- Financial incentives – making EVs price-competitive upfront
- Charging infrastructure – reducing anxiety over regular public charging access
On the financial front, up to $10,000 in combined federal and state-level credits are available depending on EV model to transform sticker prices.
Specific savings applicable include:
- Up to $7,500 Federal EV Tax Credit
- $2,500 Massachusetts EV Rebate
- Various municipal & utility incentives
Meanwhile, expanding charging infrastructure provides confidence in feasibility for regular drivers.
There are already over 2,700 charging connector ports available statewide across over 1,100 public charging stations – with heavy ongoing investment set to multiply options exponentially in coming years.
The message is clear – between swelling product choice and reducing ownership barriers, Massachusetts motorists are responding with surging enthusiasm towards EVs as their mode of transport going forward.
Huge Ongoing Growth Expected
Given such strong sales momentum already, analysts expect the Massachusetts EV takeover to continue growing rapidly in scale.
BloombergNEF research forecasts electric vehicles hitting 86% of total light vehicle sales in Massachusetts by 2035. Meeting the state‘s goal of 750,000 EVs registered will require massive 25-30% year-on-year growth in EV sales.
Aiding this transition, improved EV range through battery tech advances will soon surpass combustion vehicles. From a consumer standpoint, EVs are approaching common ‘no compromise‘ usability – especially gauging by owner satisfaction scores.
The outlook promises exponentially swelling EV uptake in Massachusetts over coming years. Buckle up – the electric motoring takeover has only just begun!
