EVs outsold manual transmissions in the US last year

EVs outsold manual transmissions in the US last year

The popularity of manual transmissions continued to decline in 2019, at least in the United States. For the first time, car buyers in the country bought more electric cars than a vehicle that required its driver to shift their own gears.

Introducing figures to the discussion, of the approximately 17.1 million vehicles delivered last year, only 1.1% of Americans who bought a new car opted for a manual transmission, reported J.D. Power. Meanwhile, EVs made up 1.6% of sales in 2019, which is marginally (but still more) by comparison. In the year prior (2018), manuals commanded a thin advantage over EVs (1.6% versus 1.5%).

This trend will continue to linger on as carmakers continue to reduce the number of cars available with a manual transmission. While EVs may be relatively more expensive compared to conventional cars with a manual, the federal tax credit provided by the US government gives buyers an incentive to go electric, further compounding the matter.

Additionally, a shift in focus to develop and launch new EVs to meet emission regulations will only see manuals be phased out further, which could see its market share dip under the 1% mark in the early 2020s. Thankfully, not all carmakers are abandoning the manual transmission, but for just how much longer, that remains to be seen.

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Gerard Lye

Originating from the corporate world with a background in finance and economics, Gerard’s strong love for cars led him to take the plunge into the automotive media industry. It was only then did he realise that there are more things to a car than just horsepower count.

 

Comments

  • Avenger on Feb 12, 2020 at 10:33 am

    No wonder USA is still the biggest polluter nation in the world. After all, EV pollutes the environment 3X more than regular cars.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 2
    • Kriptonian on Feb 12, 2020 at 3:17 pm

      USA electricity grids mostly powered by nuclear plant, lesser polluting environment compares to gas turbine or coal powered station.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 2
    • Stan Lee jr on Feb 12, 2020 at 3:19 pm

      Plug in Hybrids PHEV cars are the pollution culprit not EV.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
      • Mind telling us where does EV get their juice from if its not via plug in?

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 1
  • Li Peng on Feb 12, 2020 at 10:42 am

    In a land with 55mph (88km/h) speed limit this makes sense. Normally they need 2 speed auto only.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Make it Loud:

    despite Tesla and others EV availability.
    only 1.6% sold cars are EV in 2019.
    only 1.5% sold cars are EV in 2018.

    the market share growth is 0.1% from 2018 to 2019, with more and more EV availability including Tesla3.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
    • Who lives in Ostrich Egg shaped planet? on Feb 12, 2020 at 3:24 pm

      Needs more easy access to Super Charging stations and non monopolized power utility providers.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
 

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