The Top 5 Selling Electric Vehicles of 2018 in the U.S.

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Tesla dominated the list of America’s top 5 selling electric vehicles (EVs) of 2018. Elon Musk’s brand recorded historic sales and the Model 3, Model X, and Model S were all among the most popular electric vehicles sold in the United States.

Around the world, more than two million electric vehicles were sold in 2018. This represents a 63% increase over 2017’s EV sales figures. Despite this growth, international electric vehicles sales still only represent 2% of all the cars sold in the world.

Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) were the most popular type of EVs sold around the world. More than 70% of all EV sales were BEVs in 2017, the highest percentage since fully electric vehicles entered the marketplace in 2011.

The Tesla Model 3 was the global winner for electric vehicles with more than 145,000 units sold. In 2019, Tesla is expected to continue to lead this newer segment of the automotive industry thanks to its new models such as the fiercely anticipated 2020 Tesla Roadster.

America’s Top 5 Selling Electric Vehicles of 2018

In 2018, American electric vehicle sales increased by 75% when compared to the previous year. 385,000 EVs were sold domestically last year.

Tesla continues to emerge as the big winner, landing three of its cars on the list for America’s best selling EV of 2018. Thanks to increases in the Palo Alto based automaker’s production capacity, 2019 is expected to be another year of disruption for the global automobile market.

#1 Tesla Model 3

Priced at a starting MSRP of $35,000

The modestly priced Tesla Model 3 lived up to its well hyped expectations in 2018. The 2019 Tesla Model 3 held onto 40% of the entire U.S. electric vehicle market with over 140,000 deliveries made in just twelve months.

The Tesla Model 3 was the absolute best selling plugin electric vehicle on the American market. It even was able to outpace sales for tried and tested gasoline driven cars such as the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes C-Class.

#2 Toyota Prius Prime PHEV

Priced at a starting MSRP of $28,000

Toyota’s Prius Prime PHEV had been until very recently, America’s most well known and driven electric vehicle. In 2018, 27,595 Prius’ sold in the U.S., representing a 31% increase in sales over 2017.

The Prius’ sales volume in 2018 was driven largely by existing Prius owners who decided to upgrade to Toyota’s plug-in hybrid version. Toyota has reported that sales of its normal Prius continue to fall month to month as more and more consumers make the switch to more sustainable hybrid electric vehicles.

#3 Tesla Model X

Priced at a starting MSRP of $80,700

The luxury large SUV Tesla Model X reported strong enough sales in 2018 to push the Tesla Model S one slot lower when compared to 2017’s list America’s of best selling electric vehicles.  The Tesla crossover moved 24,900 units in 2018, a 17% year over year increase when compared to 2017.

The upcoming midsize SUV Tesla Model Y is expected to offer extremely strong competition to the Model X in the years to come. The Model Y will begin North American production in 2020, with its release slated for sometime in 2021.

#4 Tesla Model S

Priced at a starting MSRP of  $69,200

In 2018, the Tesla Model S sold 24,781 units across the United States. This represents a decline of 8% when compared to 2017. This decrease was driven in large part by the hype around the release of the Tesla Model 3 which had such a strong showing in 2018.

The Tesla Model S is slated to be totally redesigned in 2019. The current Model S Long Range has an EPA range of 370 miles (600 km), higher than any other electric car. Believe it or not, the forthcoming 2020 Tesla Roadster is predicted to have a range of 621 miles (1000 km).

#5 Chevrolet Volt

Priced at a starting MSRP of $33,220

The Chevrolet Volt was able to claim the number five slot with just 212 more units sold than the Honda Clarity PHEV. The Volt delivered 18,306 units in 2018, a drop of 10% when compared to the previous year.

Though it was the first PHEV to enter into the U.S. market back in 2010, the Chevrolet Bolt will have a tough time remaining one of America’s favorite electric vehicles. In 2019, competition will be coming from all angles as nearly all major automotive makers rush to bring electric vehicles to the American market.

Source: CleanTechnica