The latest Q3 2025 Quarterly Vincensus Report from Lotlinx, the automotive industry’s leading VIN Performance platform, reveals a temporary surge in electric vehicle (EV) sales as consumers rushed to take advantage of expiring federal tax credits. However, the data also indicates a looming period of heightened competition and aggressive discounting as the market stabilizes.
According to Lotlinx, new EV sales rose 72% quarter-over-quarter (QoQ), driven largely by short-term incentives rather than sustained demand. Despite the spike, EVs accounted for only just over 5% of total Q3 sales, suggesting the surge was temporary.
Overall, new vehicle sales climbed 11% QoQ, and used vehicle sales grew 3%, reflecting improving supply conditions. However, stabilizing inventory levels have created fresh challenges for automakers holding aging 2025 model stock, prompting deeper markdowns and expanded incentive programs heading into the final quarter of the year.
Key Insights from the Report:
- Inventory Trends: New vehicle day supply increased to 62 days (up 5 days QoQ), while used vehicle supply reached 40 days (up 1 day).
- Pricing Dynamics: Average list prices for new vehicles were $55,510 for EVs, $44,100 for hybrids, and $41,857 for ICE models. Used EV prices dropped 3% QoQ to $28,888, signaling rising price sensitivity.
- Market Pressure: Dealers are expected to face the most competitive pricing environment in years, as OEMs deploy aggressive end-of-year discounts to clear old inventory.
- Dealer Advantage: Lotlinx dealers outperformed market averages, holding 1% less aged inventory for new vehicles and 4% less for used compared to national benchmarks.
Len Short, Executive Chairman of Lotlinx, commented, Dealers are navigating a new chapter of hyper-competition, where every VIN decision matters. Our data shows that Lotlinx-powered dealers are winning by acting faster and smarter — optimizing pricing, reducing aging, and preserving profitability, even as the market becomes more volatile.
The Q3 Vincensus Report, based on over 24 billion VIN-level data points, underscores that while demand for EVs surged briefly, long-term growth remains contingent on pricing, incentives, and inventory strategies. Lotlinx anticipates a highly competitive Q4, with manufacturers likely to increase incentives and markdowns to maintain sales momentum.
