Report: Tesla Model S took lead from Nissan Leaf in Q1

Tesla Motors’ Model S has reportedly displaced the Nissan Leaf as the most popular EV in the US market, according to data published by IHS.
“Based on volume, the most popular EV/PHEV in the U.S. is the Tesla Model S,” the research firm said in its latest EV report.

Tesla began releasing sales numbers earlier this year, however the company only confirms global sales totals for each quarter. IHS counted 5,813 new Model S registrations throughout the US in the first quarter, according to a clarification sent to Forbes.

Nissan reported Leaf sales of just 4,085 units in the first three months of the year, down 21 percent from the same period in 2014. Comparing registrations to sales can be problematic, but IHS appears confident the 1,728-unit margin affirms the Model S’ lead.

Tesla delivered a record 11,507 units globally in the second quarter, up from 10,030 sedans in Q1 and jumping by more than 50 percent compared to Q2 2014. The company expects to sell 55,000 EVs by the end of the year.

With a head start in the EV market, Nissan early this year sold its 75,000th Leaf in the US. The company hopes to sell 50,000 EVs in North America each year, nearly doubling 2014′s numbers, despite lackluster sales so far in 2015.