What is the number 1 EV in USA

2022s top 10 best-selling electric vehicles in the US: Find out why they made the cut

Electric vehicles took the US auto market by storm in 2022, and for good reason. Demand for zero-emission EVs has never been higher. Check out the top 10 best-selling electric vehicles of 2022, and learn why they earned a spot on the list.

What are the best-selling electric vehicles of 2022?

While the broader US auto market slumped this past year, electric vehicles were a bright spot. Automakers more than doubled their investments to catch EV pioneer Tesla and solidify their futures.

Fully electric vehicle sales reached over 800,000 in the United States, nearly doubling from 2021 to reach almost 6% overall market share, according to the latest figures from Motor Intelligence.

A significant reason for the uptick in demand is due to additional EV models available on the market. On top of this, new government incentives provided by the Inflation Reduction Act, passed in August, provide buyers with up to $7,500 for new EVs and up to $4,000 for used ones.

Tesla remains on top by a far margin, accounting for 65% of total EV sales in the United States in 2022. However, other automakers that were fast to react to the rapidly evolving market, like Ford, Hyundai, and GM, are beginning to claim their shares.

Ford sold 61,575 electric vehicles in 2022, claiming the second-largest US EV marker. Hyundai and Kia both set sales records last year due to strong demand for their electric models as the brands gear up for an even bigger 2023.

Meanwhile, GM says it had the #1 mainstream EV in Q3 and Q4 (we assume not counting Tesla) in their most recent sales update. So, what are the best-selling electric vehicles driving the success? Heres a list of the top 10 EVs sold in the United States and why they earned a spot on the list.

No. 10: Ford F-150 Lightning/Rivian R1T

Ford raced its way to becoming the USs second best-selling EV maker last year by converting its legendary brands into fully electric powerhouses.

It started with the Mustang Mach-E (which also made the list) as Ford later converted its best-selling F-series to meet the demands of the new EV era.

The F-150 Lightning was revealed to the world in May 2021 and, by the end of the year, already had over 200,000 reservations or three years of backlog. After ramping up production, the Ford F-150 Lightning became the number-one electric truck in the United States in December and best-selling since its release in May. Ford sold 15,617 Lightning electric trucks in 2022.

The electric pickup offers ample storage with a 14.1 cubic-foot Mega-Power Frunk and advanced capabilities like onboard power that can be used to power home essentials, a campsite, or workstation, etc.

Fords electric truck is capable enough for those looking to switch from its gas-powered peers while gaining a massive tech upgrade.

Note: Rivian does not provide a breakdown for its vehicle sales. According to the companys full-year 2022 update, Rivian produced 24,337 EVs and delivered 20,332 throughout the year.

Nonetheless, the Rivian R1T offers the perfect blend of off- and on-road capabilities with next-level performance and versatility.

The Rivian R1T won Electreks vehicle of the year in 2021 because it literally has everything tons of storage, a roomy interior, and its faster than most sports cars.

No. 9: Volkswagen ID.4

Volkswagen sold 20,511 ID.4s in the United States last year as demand for VWs first all-electric SUV continued building.

The VW ID.4, based on the MEB platform, began production in 2020 and has since risen to become one of the top-selling EVs as a practical everyday SUV with plenty of range (up to 275-miles EPA estimated range) for your daily travels. With a starting price of less than $40,000, the ID.4 gives you that luxury feel without paying the premium.

On top of this, the EV includes VWs advanced driver assistance tech called IQ.DRIVE, featuring travel assist, adaptive cruise control, active blind spot monitor, front assist, and more.

Volkswagens ID.4 makes a great first EV for those looking for a roomy, safe vehicle for a decent starting price.

No. 8: Kia EV6

Kia hit the ground running in one of the most impressive brand transformations the auto industry has seen for some time. The automakers first dedicated electric vehicle, the Kia EV6, has a sharp style and is fun to drive with surprising performance.

Sitting on the Hyundai Motor Companys E-GMP platform, the EV6 was revealed by Kia in May 2021. Its an all-electric sport crossover fit for the modern era. Kia sold 20,498 EV6 models in 2022.

The Kia EV6 comes with up to 310 miles of range, 18 minutes of fast charging (10% to 80%), vehicle-to-load capabilities, and much more. For those who like a little more thrill out of their ride, the Kia EV6 GT comes loaded with 576 hp, enough to beat a Ferrari and Lamborghini in a race.

No. 7: Hyundai IONIQ 5

Hyundai, which owns a controlling interest in Kia, has also successfully broken into the EV market, introducing its game-changing IONIQ 5 SUV.

Introduced in February 2021, the bold, futuristic-looking IONIQ 5 has already won several awards, capturing the hearts of many drivers making the switch to fully electric. The IONIQ 5 also sits on the E-GMP platform as Hyundai reimagined every detail for its first dedicated EV.

Hyundais IONIQ 5 is another practical SUV, like the ID.4 and EV6, with up to 303 miles EPA range for a decent starting price, which is why the company sold 22,982 of them this past year.

No. 6: Tesla Model X

Tesla still has a massive lead in terms of production capabilities, and its first SUV, the Model X, continues seeing strong demand despite smaller, more affordable Tesla models being launched.

The Model X is the largest EV in Teslas lineup (excluding Cybertruck and Semi) and sports long-range capabilities (348 mile EPA range), AWD dual motor, a sizable seven-seat interior, 88-cubic-foot cargo space, and 5,000 lb. of towing capacity.

With over 1,020 hp peak power, the Model X Plaid is the quickest accelerating of any SUV (0 to 60 mph in 2.5 seconds) and still offers 333 miles EPA estimated range.

For a while, the Model X was the go-to electric family car, but with more cost-effective options hitting the market, many wondered if sales would slow. For now, the Model X continues its reign.

No. 5: Chevy Bolt EV/EUV

The Chevy Bolt EV and EUV models had a massive year in 2022 despite resuming production in April due to a recall in 2021.

GM said the Chevy Bolt was the number 1 mainstream EV in the Q3 and Q4, ending the year on a high note. With a starting price of just over $25,000, the Bolt EV is the cheapest electric vehicle in the US, but that doesnt mean its any less functional.

The Chevy Bolt EV is quick, fun to drive, and still offers a decent range (259-mile EPA range) which is why it won Electreks vehicle of the year in 2022. GM says Chevy Bolt EV and EUV sales reached 38,120 in 2022.

No. 4: Tesla Model S

The Tesla Model S speaks for itself. Its super sleek, offers ultra-long-range capabilities (405 miles EPA estimated range), and features unparalleled performance.

The all-electric luxury Model S sedan was a primary driver behind the mainstream EV movement with quick acceleration (0 to 60 in 3.1 seconds), extended range, and confident handling.

It also features ample storage and a modern interior, making it a practical drive and still one of the best luxury EVs on the market, with a starting price of $104,990.

No. 3: Ford Mustang Mach-E

Ford is another legacy automaker that embraced the electric vehicle movement, carrying its iconic Mustang brand into the new EV era.

The Mustang Mach-E was introduced in 2019 and has steadily gained momentum since. The five-seat SUV starts at $46,895, offering a smooth, quiet ride with ample range. Fords year-end numbers indicate 39,458 Mach-Es were sold in 2022.

Fords Mach-E features a spacious interior, over-the-air software updates, and advanced safety features. Furthermore, with several different trims offering a mix of range and performance capabilities, you are sure to find the right model for you.

No. 2: Tesla Model 3

Tesla introduced the Model 3 to reduce the entry price to own an electric vehicle without sacrificing range or performance.

Customers began receiving their Model 3s in 2018, and the model quickly became the best-selling electric vehicle at the time. The Tesla Model 3 offers the same Tesla spirit, with plenty of power and superior handling.

The four-door EV is built for safety, achieving a five-star NHTSA rating in every category, quick acceleration (0 to 60 mph in 3.1 seconds), long-range capabilities (358-mile EPA range), and a starting price of $46,990.

No. 1: Tesla Model Y

The Model 3 was the best-selling electric vehicle, of course, until the Model Y hit the market.

The Tesla Model Y began rolling out in 2020 and has exploded in popularity ever since. After edging out gas-powered vehicles in Europe for the best-selling car title, the Model Y looks to do the same in the United States, already placing among the top 10 overall vehicle sales. In fact, the Tesla Model Y is on its way to becoming the top-selling car globally, and for good reason.

Teslas Model Y comes with an AWD dual motor, 76-cubic-foot storage, and a 330-mile range, all for a starting price of $65,990.

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2023s best-selling EVs Rivian R1S outsells Tesla Model X and Ford F-150

Teslas Model Y was the best-selling electric vehicle in the US in 2023 by far, but other EVs from VW, Hyundai, Rivian, Chevy, and Ford are climbing the sales charts. And there was a surprise in the Big EV category

Another year of EV records

A record 1.2 million EVs were handed over to customers in the US last year, beating most expectations. The grid didnt fail like your uncle said it would on Facebook either.

Electric vehicles accounted for 7.6% of total US sales in 2023. Thats up from 5.9% in 2022 and 3.2% in 2021. Next year, that number is expected to reach around 10% for the first time, according to Cox Automotive research.

Despite some claims of a market slowdown, a record 317,168 EVs were sold in the last three months of 2023. Thats 8.1% of total US auto sales and 52% higher than Q4 2022.

Tesla continued dominating globally last year with over 484,500 EVs delivered in Q4 to hit its goal of handing over 1.8 million global vehicles in 2023.

The effort was enough to maintain control of over half of the US EV market. Teslas EVs accounted for 55% of electric vehicle sales in the US last year. The brands two most affordable models remained the far and away the best-selling EVs in 2023.

Top ten best-selling EVs in 2023

With over 394,000 units sold, Teslas Model Y represented one in every three EVs sold last year. The Model 3 placed second with 220,910 units sold.

Meanwhile, the Chevy Bolt EV had its best sales year yet with 62,045 electric models sold. Despite this, GM has already stopped producing affordable electric cars as it scales production of its Ultium models like the Blazer EV and Cadillac Lyriq. Chevy Equinox is supposed to go on sale later this year and a new Bolt EV will be unveiled next year.

Fords Mustang Mach-E also had its best sales year with 40,771 electric crossovers sold while the F-150 Lightning was the best-selling electric pickup. Other electric SUVs including the VW ID.4 (37,789) and Hyundai IONIQ 5 (33,918) gained ground amid record years.

EV startup Rivian cracked the top ten after selling 24,783 R1S electric SUVs in 2023. Rivian delivered over 50,000 EVs last year in total, more than double the 24,337 handed over in 2022. No one is growing faster than Rivian at over 100% growth rate.

In fact the R1S has grown to become the best-selling big EV outpacing the Tesla Model X and the Ford F-150 Lightning.

Electreks Take

The best-selling EVs of 2023 look a lot like last years list. The biggest changes include Teslas Model S slipping off this list from fourth in 2022.

The Chevy Bolt EV rose two spots while the Mach-E fell from third to fourth.

I expect to see more changes in 2024 with new model launches like the Volvo EX30, starting at $35,000.

While UAW automakers GM and Ford are pulling back on EV initiatives, others are doubling down like Hyundai and Volvo. The results will likely begin to show this year.

If growth patterns continue, Ford will get beaten by Rivian to the #2 spot.

What changes do you guys expect to see on this years list? Let us know in the comments.

Source: Kelley Blue Book

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