Electric vehicle sales in California stalled in the second half of 2023, falling for the first time in more than a decade.
The Los Angeles Times reported Thursday that Tesla’s sales fell sharply in the second half of 2023, dropping 10% in the final quarter alone. Despite this decline in sales, California’s previous commitments Ban new sales of gasoline-powered vehicles in the state by 2035.
“This is an interesting time for automakers and consumers,” said Greg Bannon, director of automotive engineering at AAA. he told the LA Times. “Governments and automakers have spent billions of dollars on things consumers don’t want.”
The report noted that this was the first sales decline since the Tesla Model S brand was introduced in 2012.
Tesla’s Model S sales have declined for the first time since its launch in 2012. (AP Photo/David Zarbowski, File)
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Electric vehicle sales initially rose 48% in the first half of 2023, according to the California New Car Dealers Association. However, sales volume in the third quarter was only 100,151 units, a decrease of 2,840 units compared to the second quarter. Then, in the fourth quarter, that number fell further by 10.2% to just 89,933.
The Los Angeles Times cited multiple reasons for this decline, including unreliable public chargers, high prices, confusing government incentives, and Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s “controversial comments.” There is.
“While there is no research to prove it, there is plenty of anecdotal evidence to suggest that liberal California car buyers are tired of Elon Musk’s acerbic personality and stance on political issues,” the report said. Yes. (Ask your friends and neighbors who drive Teslas.)” )”
The Los Angeles Times suggested that Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s “controversial” comments were a factor in the decline. (Nathan Lane/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
He added: “Tesla remains a major company in California. Last year, one in eight cars sold was a Tesla, whether EV or gasoline. But in the fourth quarter, Tesla ‘Sales have plummeted 10%. If enough buyers here are really fed up enough,’ he added. Tesla’s sales could continue to suffer if Mr. Musk influences purchasing decisions. ”
Fox News Digital reached out to Tesla for comment but has not yet received a response.
In August 2022, the California Air Resources Board voted to advance a policy that would require all vehicles in the state to run on electricity by 2035 to combat the climate “crisis.” . This follows a presidential order. Governor Gavin Newsom Gas-powered cars and trucks will be phased out two years in advance.
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California has pledged to ban gasoline-powered cars by 2035. (Eric Thayer/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
“This is the most impactful step our country can take to combat climate change,” Newsom said. “For decades, we have allowed cars to pollute the air that our children and families breathe. Californians should not have to worry if their cars give their children asthma. “Our cars shouldn’t make wildfires worse and the days longer.” Our precious beaches and coastlines should not be threatened.”
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Newsom deputy press secretary Daniel Villaseñor said in comments to Fox News Digital that he does not expect this decline in Tesla sales to affect his goals.
“Last year, more ZEVs were sold in California than at any point in history, including in the third quarter when sales share reached an all-time high.Sales increased 46% year-over-year, with state-led growth “The trend continues year after year. We intend to achieve our world-leading goal of 100% ZEV sales by 2035,” Villaseñor said.
