U.S. EV Electricity Use Growth Slows to 8% in First Half of 2026

U.S. light-duty electric vehicles consumed 8% more electricity in the first half of 2026 than in the second half of 2025, down from 13–24% growth in recent periods, according to the EIA. The slowdown followed a 19% drop in new EV sales after federal tax credits expired on September 30, 2025.

• EV electricity use rose 8% in 1H26 versus 2H25
• New EV sales fell 19% in 1H26 versus 2H25
• EVs consumed nearly 14 billion kWh in 1H26
• EV electricity use has more than doubled since 1H23