What is the #1 selling electric car?

Tesla’s Model Y is the #1 selling electric car globally, based on the latest full-year results for 2023 and widely cited 2024 year-to-date tracking that continues to show it leading individual battery-electric models. The ranking can vary by time period and region, but across major markets—including the United States and Europe—the Model Y has held the top spot among EVs, and in 2023 it also became the world’s best-selling vehicle of any type.

How rankings are determined—and why wording matters

When asking which EV is “#1,” two details shape the answer: the timeframe (full-year results versus partial-year snapshots) and the market scope (global versus specific regions). Another key distinction is technology: most global rankings treat “electric car” as battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) only, not plug-in hybrids (PHEVs). Because companies report data differently and models are sold under different names in various countries, independent industry trackers aggregate registrations and deliveries to establish the pecking order.

Why the Tesla Model Y leads

Tesla’s advantage with the Model Y rests on global scale, manufacturing efficiency, and broad availability. Aggressive price adjustments in 2023–2024, expanded capacity in the U.S., Europe, and China, and seamless integration with a reliable fast-charging network buoyed demand. The Model Y’s crossover form factor also hits the largest, fastest-growing vehicle segment worldwide, amplifying its volume potential versus sedan-focused rivals.

Leaders by region and timeframe

The following overview outlines the most widely reported leaders by region and timeframe, using the latest full-year figures and consistent 2024 tracking from major industry data providers. It focuses on battery-electric models (BEVs) to keep comparisons consistent.

• Worldwide (2023 full year): Tesla Model Y — widely reported to have sold around 1.2 million units, making it the best-selling vehicle overall, not just among EVs.
• Worldwide (2024 year to date, as tracked through most of the year): Tesla Model Y — typically remains the leading BEV model across global datasets; BYD’s Seagull and Dolphin have been among the fastest climbers.
• United States (2023 and 2024 year to date): Tesla Model Y — the top-selling EV by a wide margin.
• Europe (EU + UK, 2023; and continuing strongly in 2024): Tesla Model Y — best-selling car overall in 2023 and a front-runner in 2024 registrations.

China—the world’s largest EV market—features intense competition with BYD’s lineup dominating volumes overall; while several BYD models are top sellers domestically, the Model Y remains among the top BEVs globally thanks to strong multi-region demand.

Global sales context at a glance (BEVs)

To frame the Model Y’s lead, here is how key BEV models generally stacked up in 2023, using rounded, industry-aggregated estimates; model-level reporting varies by source, but the hierarchy is consistent across trackers.

• Tesla Model Y — roughly 1.2 million worldwide in 2023.
• Tesla Model 3 — over half a million globally.
• BYD Yuan Plus/Atto 3 — several hundred thousand globally.
• BYD Dolphin — several hundred thousand globally.
• BYD Seagull — more than 200,000 in its launch year, rising rapidly into 2024.

While exact figures can differ among data providers due to naming conventions, regional reporting lags, and methodology, they align on the Model Y’s clear global lead for 2023 and its continued frontrunner status through most of 2024.

What could change the ranking next

Several factors could shift the leaderboard as markets evolve and policy and pricing dynamics change.

• Price movements: Further cuts or incentives can quickly swing demand in price-sensitive segments.
• New model launches: Affordable, high-range compact EVs (especially from Chinese brands) can scale quickly.
• Production capacity: Factory ramp-ups—or supply constraints—directly affect what’s available to sell.
• Trade policy and tariffs: Import duties in the U.S. and Europe may reshape brand competitiveness.
• Charging access: Expanding high-speed charging reduces adoption friction, favoring brands with strong network integration.

These dynamics are especially pivotal in Europe and North America, where policy and pricing are in flux, and in emerging markets, where affordability and charging infrastructure drive adoption speed.

Bottom line

Across the latest complete year of data (2023) and throughout most 2024 tracking, the Tesla Model Y is the #1 selling electric car globally. Rankings can vary by region and timeframe, but the Model Y’s production scale, pricing strategy, and segment fit have kept it ahead of fast-rising rivals.

Summary

Tesla’s Model Y is the top-selling electric car worldwide. It led the global EV market in 2023—and even topped all vehicles—and has maintained its BEV lead in most 2024 datasets. While BYD and others are gaining ground, especially in China, the Model Y’s combination of scale, pricing, and charging ecosystem keeps it at the front of the global EV pack.