Electric cars are taking over the world’s streets, and are increasingly becoming a major choice for consumers in many countries, with the number of electric cars on the roads in 2023 reaching 40 million, and nearly 14 million new cars were registered last year alone.
Electric cars will account for about 18% of all cars sold in 2023, up from 14% in 2022 and just 2% in 2018.
These trends indicate that growth remains strong as electric vehicle markets mature and are widely accepted in various countries, according to the International Energy Agency.
The global electric vehicle market size was valued at $500.48 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow to $671.47 billion in 2024 and then to about $1.9 trillion by 2032, at a CAGR of 13.8% during the forecast period, according to Fortune Business Insights.
Technology drives growth
Technology has increased the range of electric vehicles as new technologies used in the industry have evolved and charging infrastructure has advanced significantly. While technological advances have contributed to the success and growth of the market, the lack of public awareness surrounding electric vehicles, and concerns about the range and geographic distribution of charging infrastructure are hindering demand.
Fierce US-China competition
In this report, we will present to you the 10 best-selling electric cars in the world in the first half of 2024, according to the Statista and Auto Vista Group platforms.
We will notice that two of the top five best-selling electric car models were Tesla branded, but the American company faces fierce competition from Asian brands, especially Chinese ones, as the Chinese company BYD has surpassed Tesla as the world’s best-selling electric car brand, relying on a large group of electric and plug-in hybrid models. As for Europe, no European electric car made it into the top ten, as we will see.
10th place: BYD Han
228,000 electric cars were sold in 2023, and 74,896 in the first half of 2024.
The Han EV combines powerful performance with elegant craftsmanship, combining the latest technologies in the electric vehicle industry. It is the world’s first mass-produced model to use the ultra-safe Blade battery. The Han EV sets new standards for electric vehicles worldwide in terms of safety, performance and luxury.
- Price: Between $32,000 and $40,000 (depending on the type, as the car comes in 3 fully electric models and one hybrid model, as stated by BYD’s website).
- Battery capacity: 80 kWh.
- Range: 400 to 600 km per charge depending on model, actual range depends on a number of factors, including climate and road conditions, whether or not air conditioning is used, and driving style.
- Maximum speed: 185 km/h.
9th place: BYD Dolphin
384,590 of these were sold in 2023, and 83,371 in the first half of 2024.
A 4-door hatchback, thanks to its clever interior design, it still offers plenty of space for up to 5 passengers, and it’s also a very safe family car, as recently proven in crash tests by the Euro NCAP safety institute, where it received the highest score of 5 stars.
- Price: $13,865.
- Battery capacity: 60 kWh.
- Range: 427 km per charge, actual range depends on a number of factors, including climate and road conditions, whether or not air conditioning is used, and driving style.
- Maximum speed: 160 km/h.
8th place: BYD Destroyer 05
85,806 of them were sold in 2023, and 88,446 of them in the first half of 2024. It is a 4-door, 5-seat hybrid electric car.
- Average price: $14,543.
- Distance: The electric battery travels up to 120 kilometers, and the car, fully charged with electricity and fuel, travels 1,245 kilometers.
- Maximum speed: 185 km/h.
7th place: Ito M7
89,039 cars of this type were sold in the first half of 2024.
Huawei’s hybrid electric SUV has a spacious and comfortable interior that makes it perfect for families with a beautiful appearance, attractive design, modern colors, and high safety specifications.
- Average price: $35,000 to $53,000 depending on model and specifications.
- Battery capacity: 40 kWh.
- Range: 1,300 km (electric + fuel): The 40 kWh lithium-ion battery pack provides a pure electric cruising range of 210 km to 240 km, and an overall range of up to 1,300 km.
- Maximum speed: 190 km/h.
6th place: BYD Yuan Plus
418,990 of these cars were sold in 2023, and 130,380 of them were sold in the first half of 2024.
A dynamic and efficient all-electric SUV designed with a driving range of 410 kilometers on a single charge, it ensures you can cover long distances effortlessly. It features a sleek, streamlined design and a spacious, technologically advanced interior for unparalleled comfort. This SUV is powered by the advanced BYD Blade battery, which features fast charging capabilities and comprehensive safety features.
- Price: $16,650.
- Battery capacity: 49.92 kWh.
- Distance: 410 km per charge.
- Maximum speed: 160 km/h.
5th place: BYD Seagull/Dolphin Mini
254,180 of these were sold in 2023, and 146,170 in the first half of 2024.
BYD’s cheapest electric car, with an initial price range of $10,850 to $13,200. It lowered its price in March 2024 to $9,600 as part of the company’s strategy to compete, and will soon launch a new model with better specifications and a slightly higher price.
- Price: $9,600 to $13,200.
- Battery capacity: between 30.08 kWh and 38.88 kWh.
- Distance: 305 to 405 km per charge.
- Maximum speed: 130 km/h.
Fourth place: Tesla Model 3
529,290 of these vehicles were sold in 2023, and 175,665 in the first half of 2024.
The Tesla Model 3 is a mid-size electric sedan introduced by Tesla in 2017. It was the world’s best-selling electric car for three years, from 2018 to 2020, and is the first electric car to surpass 1 million global sales.
- Price: $39,990.
- Battery capacity: 78.1 kWh.
- Distance: about 600 km per charge.
- Top speed: 262 km/h.
Third place: BYD Qin Plus
456,310 of these were sold in 2023, and 182,628 in the first half of 2024.
- Price: From $14,600 to $21,400 depending on the car model, as there are 5 models of it.
- Battery capacity: 48 kWh.
- Distance: 510 km per charge.
- Maximum speed: 150 km/h.
2nd place: BYD Song Plus
636,530 of these were sold in 2023, and 265,739 in the first half of 2024.
BYD launched this car to compete with the Tesla Y, and recently announced the launch of a new model called the BYD Song Plus, with a competitive price starting at $21,000.
- Price: Starts at $21,000 depending on the model and extras.
- Battery capacity: 85.4 kWh.
- Distance: 605 km per charge.
- Top speed: 201 km/h.
1st place: Tesla Way
1,211,600 of these cars were sold in 2023, and 420,296 of them in the first half of 2024.
The world’s best-selling car, it’s popular in the United States, Europe, and Asia. It combines sleek design with advanced technology, and offers seating for up to 7 passengers, plenty of space, and the option of dual-motor all-wheel drive (AWD), making it a versatile choice for families. The 2024 Tesla Model Y starts at $44,630 and goes up to $54,130, depending on the model and options.
- Price: Starts at $44,630 and goes up to $54,130.
- Battery capacity: 60 to 68 kWh depending on model.
- Distance: 533 km per charge.
- Maximum speed: 250 km/h.
