BOSTON —

The average cost of a new car topped $50,000 in September for the first time, Kelley Blue Book reported.

The price was determined by a combination of factors - the most notable of which was the expiration of a $7,500 electric vehicle tax credit that expired at the end of September.

There was a spike in electric vehicle purchases, and the average price of a new EV is $57,000.

There are also other market forces at work.

Consumers could now be starting to feel the effects of auto tariffs and supply issues stemming from the pandemic.

“During the pandemic, we saw a huge spike, and supply really dried up because of the semiconductors, and so automakers prioritized the more expensive vehicles,” said Todd Duvick, the head of U.S. Autos, Credit Sights. "The more affordable vehicles w

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