Toyota Prius Prime Finishes 2018 As Top-Selling Affordable EV In America, Despite Tesla Model 3 Pressure
The Toyota Prius Prime plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) outsold both the Chevy Bolt battery electric vehicle (BEV) and the Chevy Volt extended-range hybrid electric vehicle (EREV) in 2018 by 35%, making the Prius Prime America's top-selling affordable electrified vehicle. What is even more impressive, is the Prius Prime's sales results in light of the Tesla Model 3.
With 27,595 units sold in 2018, the Prius Prime from Toyota beat out the Bolt's 18,019 and Volt's 18,306 unit sales in the affordable EV market. Not only has the Prius Prime outpaced these two impressive EVs, the Prius Prime finished the year with a sales increase of 31%. The Bolt declined in sales by 26% and the Volt declined in sales by 10%. The range-challenged Nissan Leaf has now dropped well out of contention for the podium with sales in 2018 of under 15,000 units.
Despite the huge success of the Model 3, Tesla has opted not to live up to its promises of an affordable version of this car. Now in its third calendar year of sales, the Tesla Model 3 is priced dramatically higher than the Prius Prime, which is available for under $20K after incentives. Most Tesla Model 3's sold have cost their owners nearly twice that after incentives.
In December, the Prius Prime had its second-best sales month of 2018 with 2,759 units delivered to owners, up by 14%. Despite the popularity of the pricey Model 3, the Prius Prime's popularity and sales are growing.
Prius Prime Quick Facts:
The Prius Prime PHEV is a Top Safety Pick from IIHS, No Tesla model has ever achieved this safety rating. The Prius Prime earns an estimated 133 MPGe rating and has an all-EV estimated range of 25 miles. When operating as a hybrid-electric vehicle the Prius Prime earns a 54 MPG rating.
Related Story: Real World Pricing Comparison - Chevy Volt & Prius Prime Cost Half What the Tesla Model 3 Does