The world’s bestselling electric vehicles (EVs) for the year 2022 have been revealed. The list that was recently published by Motor1 was compiled by veteran auto journalist Juan Felipe Munoz of JATO Dynamics after months of research and data gathering from numerous markets around the world.
The top 10 list of bestselling EVs reveals quite a few interesting things. First, the two topmost spots were secured by Tesla of the USA. Then 7 out of the top 10 bestselling EVs belonged to Chinese automakers with just 1 example from German auto giant Volkswagen in the list. There was not even a single representation of any Japanese automaker due to their lethargic approach towards EVS.
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Although there was no South Korean electric vehicle among the top 10 bestselling EVs of the world, still Hyundai and Kia have some popular EVs that are gaining traction in various markets, but are yet to appear in the world’s top 10 list.
Tesla Model Y
Tesla Model Y dominated the global rankings, even ahead of the Model 3, the best-selling electric car in the world in 2021. Model Y has found more than 747,000 new customers, which is a 91% increase over the previous year. Nearly 44% of Model Y was sold in China (including Hong Kong and Taiwan), while US-Canada volume accounted for 34% of the total. Sales of Model Y in Europe reached 19% with a volume up by 416% whereas Southeast Asia-Pacific follow with 13,400 units, and Japan-Korea with 9,600 units.
Tesla Model 3
The Tesla Model 3 occupied the second position with more than 482,000 units, of which 47% were sold in the US-Canada, 28% in China (including Hong Kong and Taiwan), and 19% in Europe. Unlike the Model Y, this electric sedan dropped 3%, negatively impacted by the popularity of its stablemate. The Model Y and Model 3 accounted for 95% of Tesla’s global volumes for 2022.
Sheer Dominance of the Chinese EV Makers
The third position was occupied by the Wuling Hongguang Mini EV which has become the benchmark of electric cars in China, the largest EV market in the world. Around 443,400 units of the Hongguang Mini EV were sold which is obviously not far from the Model 3. Part of the popularity of this car is linked to its price, but also to the fact that it has become an ideal mobility solution for many consumers in China. The trend of Chinese electric microcars has just begun and is expected to arrive in other markets in the coming years.
Another electric hatchback, the BYD Dolphin is at the 4th place with just over 200,000 units sold. BYD which overtook Tesla as the largest EV maker in the world has not just one or two, but 4 vehicles in the top 10 list of world’s bestselling EVs. The BYD Yuan Plus, also known as Atto 3, is at #5 place being an attractive compact SUV that is rapidly climbing the ranks in some countries. BYD’s other vehicles in the list include Qin EV at 7th place with 163,400 units and BYD Han at 10th place with 116,500 units sold in 2022.
Other than BYD, another Chinese automaker has multiple entries in the top 10 list. GAC secures 8th and 9th spots with its AION Y and AION S models having sold 119,800 and 117,000 units in 2022 respectively.
The Only European Automaker in the Top 10 EVs
Volkswagen with its ID.4 EV remains the only representation of the European automakers in the list. VW sold 175,600 units of the ID.4 EV securing 6th position in the list of top 10.
Related: 59% NEVs in the World Were Sold in China in Q1, 2023
The rapid popularity of EVs is undeniable, and what’s more interesting is that 5 out of the top 10 EVs are affordable subcompacts, crossovers, or small hatchbacks rather than big & expensive luxury EVs. In the near future, the majority of individuals seeking an affordable new car may have no other option but to purchase attractive and competitive electric vehicles. China, unlike Europe, is ready with its products.
Source: Motor1
A computer animation professional with over 23 years of industry experience having served in leading organizations, TV channels & production facilities in Pakistan. An avid car enthusiast and petrolhead with an affection to deliver quality content to help shape opinions. Formerly written for PakWheels as well as major publications including Dawn. Founder of CarSpiritPK.com
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