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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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Tesla Model Y is the first EV to become the worlds bestselling car
For the first time ever, an all-electric vehicle specifically the Tesla Model Y is now the worlds bestselling car. According to analyst data from Jato Dynamics (published by Motor1), the Tesla Model Y has surpassed Toyotas RAV4 and Corolla models to top global sales rankings in the first quarter of 2023. Thats especially impressive given pricing for the 2023 Model Y starts at $47,490, considerably more than the 2023 Corolla ($21,550) and RAV4 ($27,575).
The figures reported by Jato Dynamics reveal that the Tesla Model Y sold 267,200 units globally in Q1, compared to the 256,400 Corolla and 214,700 RAV4 units sold during the same period. Thats approximately a 69 percent year-on-year increase for the Model Y a figure that Teslas meme-lord CEO, Elon Musk, will no doubt approve of. Musk has been confident about the Model Ys success even before it launched, estimating back in 2016 that it would draw demand in the 500k to 1 million unit per year level.
While this is a milestone for Tesla, the Model Ys victory isnt especially surprising. Tesla doesnt provide an exact breakdown of sales, but it reported that over 400,000 Model Y and Model 3 vehicles had been delivered to customers in the first quarter of 2023.Electric vehicle development by competing car manufacturers also remains slow, allowing Tesla to continue to dominate the EV market. And Tesla has frequently slashed the price of most of its lineup over the last few years, including the Model Y, which may have contributed to the increase in sales.
We should note that while a Tesla EV is currently the worlds bestselling vehicle, the company certainly isnt the biggest global automaker overall. Volkswagen, Toyota, General Motors, and Ford all report higher revenue and unit sales by comparison. And according to Car Logos, Tesla doesnt even rank in the top 10 biggest global car manufacturers, sneaking in at 19th place for 2022.
Musk has previously predicted that the Model Y would claim the top spot, telling investors in 2021: We think Model Y will be the best selling car or vehicle of any kind in the world. Probably next year. Im not 100 percent certain next year, but I think its quite likely... more likely than not, that 2022 Model Y is best selling car or truck... in the world.
It didnt achieve that goal, but it did place third in the overall global rankings for 2022, breaking into sixth place on Americas list of the top 10 bestselling cars, despite fierce competition from trucks and full-size SUVs. Last year, it also became the bestselling vehicle in both Europe and California and the fourth bestselling in China after jumping 15 places from the previous year. And thats despite Chinas crackdown on Tesla ownership and various recalls over safety concerns.
