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Electric vehicles (EVs) are competitive with legacy gas-powered alternatives much more so than in decades past. However, the market for alternative-energy cars isn’t strong for every green segment. In that same vein, two of the worst-selling cars in America, the Hyundai NEXO and Toyota Mirai, are two green cars with a big factor in common.

The worst-selling cars in America, the Hyundai NEXO and Toyota Mirai are both hydrogen-powered rides

The three worst-selling cars in America each sold fewer than 500 models in the first three quarters of 2024. That said, the top two of those worst-selling models have a pretty substantial factor in common: they’re both hydrogen-powered rides. 

Make and model2024 sales (In units, as of Oct)Starting price
Hyundai NEXO89$61,470
Toyota Mirai346$51,325
FIAT 500 (discontinued)438$17,990
Genesis G901,017$90,950
Audi A71,042$73,295

According to GoodCarBadCar, American buyers took home just 89 Hyundai NEXOs in the first three quarters of 2024. That might seem a bit paltry, and it commandingly earns the NEXO a spot atop the list of the worst-selling cars. However, the NEXO is only available in California. As such, the hydrogen fuel cell-powered SUV reaches a small portion of the North American market, even without its roundabout $62,000 starting price.

Not unlike the NEXO, the Toyota Mirai is a hydrogen fuel cell-powered nameplate. And, like the NEXO, the Mirai takes a top spot among the worst-selling cars in America. However, unlike the hydrogen-powered Hyundai, the Mirai is a sedan rather than a SUV. 

Interestingly enough, the Toyota sedan outsold the Hyundai SUV in the first three quarters of 2024, despite the unquestioned popularity of SUVs in the United States. Both vehicles require hydrogen via pumps to power their battery-electric platforms. However, unlike the market’s current battery electric vehicles (BEVs), hydrogen-powered cars fill up more like ICE models. Owners can pull up to a California gas station with hydrogen architecture, fill up, and get back on the road.

Granted, the ease and convenience of a hydrogen platform is far more accessible than a BEV. However, the only two major market hydrogen fuel cell vehicles currently account for the two worst-selling cars in the country.

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Staff Writer

Erik Sherman

Erik Sherman joined the MotorBiscuit team as an Autos Writer in 2022. An admitted petrolhead and an avid motorcyclist, Erik has owned everything from classic cars to motorcycles to modern driver’s cars. Erik also has extensive experience with military and emergency vehicles, ranging from ambulances and fire engines to MRAPs and M-ATVs. Erik is an eager car and motorcycle reviewer with experience covering everything from sports cars to pontoon boats and jet skis.

Erik holds a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations (IRG) from the University of Texas at Austin and has studied Chinese, Energy, and European Politics at the University of Glasgow in Scotland. Erik’s background is unorthodox; he is a United States Marine Corps (USMC) combat veteran, water survival practitioner, and a former firefighter/EMT. Additionally, Erik is a regular volunteer and former instructor with the American Red Cross (ARC).