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It’s 2024. The top-selling vehicles aren’t exclusively gas-powered anymore. In fact, the Tesla Model Y is so popular that it outsold all but one SUV in the country last year. However, that doesn’t mean that consumers are flocking to alternative energy vehicles quite yet. That’s the case for the worst-selling car in America. It’s the Hyundai NEXO, a hydrogen-powered SUV with downright silly sales figures.  

The Hyundai NEXO is the worst-selling car in America with double-digit sales– and it’s only available in California

Now I don’t have to tell you that knowing your market is of the utmost importance for sales. Granted the Hyundai NEXO identified what likely could be one of its only viable markets in the United States: California. Incidentally, the 2024 Hyundai NEXO is a hydrogen-powered SUV. And it is only available to car buyers in the Golden State. 

Ingenious, really. But hydrogen-powered vehicles are hardly a new concept. Companies like General Motors, BMW, and Toyota have been messing with hydrogen power as a practical alternative to internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles for years. 

However, with the push for electrification and the prominence of gas-powered vehicles, the pool of hydrogen vehicles for sale in the North American market is small. Regarding mass-produced options, consumers have two options: the Hyundai NEXO and the Toyota Mirai. 

According to GoodCarBadCar, Americans bought just 89 Hyundai NEXO units in 2024 so far. Those figures establish it as the worst-selling car in America by a margin of around 257 vehicles.

Worst-selling vehicles make and model2024 sales (As of October in units)
Hyundai NEXO89 
Toyota Mirai346
FIAT 500438
Genesis G901,017
Audi A71,042
Source: GoodCarBadCar

The Toyota Mirai, the other hydrogen-powered vehicle on the list, didn’t perform much better. As of the end of September, American car buyers had taken home around 346 Mirais. It’s not quite enough to challenge the sales figures of the worst-selling gas car on the market for now: the peppy little FIAT 500.

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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).