These were the 50 best-selling electric cars in Europe in 2022

More than 1.5 million electric cars were sold in Europe in 2022 – a new record, of course. Tesla leads the Stromer chart with two models: the Model Y electric SUV was by far the most popular electric car in Europe. The older Model 3 sold significantly worse than last year, but still ran in second place. VW’s ID.4 follows in third place, making it another electric SUV.

With the Fiat 500 and the VW ID.3 in fourth and fifth place, two e-cars from the small and compact car class also sold well. With the Dacia Spring, the cheapest electric car in Europe is just in the top 10.

It must be said that in 2022 more electric cars will have been ordered from many manufacturers than could be built and delivered. So the sales statistics reflect not only demand, but also largely how available the individual models were.

Tesla dominates the sales statistics in several Western European countries, which is also due to the fact that all Tesla sales are spread over only two relevant models. Conversely, the sale of e-cars at the Volkswagen Group is divided between different models of the VW, Audi, Skoda, Cupra and Porsche brands.

In other words, even though Tesla is at the top with two models, the entire Volkswagen Group sells more electric cars in Europe overall, according to figures from market research firm Jato Dynamics.

E-cars in the EU now in double digits

Overall, battery-powered cars achieved a 12 percent market share in new registrations in the EU last year (18 percent in Switzerland). Long delivery times due to missing parts and sharply higher prices prevented even stronger growth.

Tesla sold the most electric cars worldwide in 2022, but the Chinese car and battery manufacturer BYD is closing in on the Americans.

BYD (Build Your Dreams) is increasingly penetrating the West and, unlike Tesla, can offer a wide range of electric cars: from large and expensive SUVs to cheap small cars. With this strategy, BYD replaced Tesla as the top-selling e-car brand in China last year.

The Volkswagen Group is the third largest manufacturer of e-cars in the world. Although the Germans are the market leader in Europe, they have major problems with their domestic competition, especially in China.

(oli)