Check Out These World's Top-Selling Electric Cars In 2022

Photo credit: Motor1.com
Over the last five years, global electric vehicle sales have increased by leaps and bounds, rising from 2 million in 2018 to more than 10 million in 2022, with market share increasing from 2.5 percent to 14 percent; the EV percentage in the overall car market is increasing, particularly in China and some European countries.
As expected, The Tesla Model Y dominated the market, outselling its sibling, the Model 3, to take the top spot with 786,000 units sold. This is the first time the Model Y has been named the world's best-selling electric vehicle.



The Tesla Model Y's aggressive sales make one wonder if it will surpass Toyota's Corolla and become the world's best-selling car by this year.

The Tesla Model 3 came in second with over 482,000 units sold, with 47 percent sold in the US-Canada, 28 percent in China (including Hong Kong and Taiwan), and 19 percent in Europe. Unlike the Model Y, this sedan fell 3 percent, owing to the popularity of its SUV twin. For 2022, these two models accounted for 95 percent of Tesla's global volumes.

Photo credit: Motor1.com
Third place was also unexpected, with the Wuling Hongguang Mini EV topping the top three list of the world's best-selling EVs. The number of units sold was 443,400, which is comparable to the Model 3. This car's popularity stems in part from its low price, but it has also become an ideal mobility solution for many Chinese consumers.

We're nearly halfway through 2023, and the electric car sales chart tells us an important story: It's no longer just about Tesla and it will become less so in the future as competitors begin to accumulate some real numbers.

Hongguang isn't the only one who has risen to the top of the rankings. The BYD Dolphin sold slightly more than 200,000 units. Dolphin, more than Wuling, has greater international market potential. This may also apply to the BYD Yuan Plus, also known as the BYD Atto 3, an appealing compact SUV that is rapidly rising in popularity in some markets.
-full-full_normal.jpg)
-full-full_normal.jpg)
The Volkswagen ID.4 was the most popular European electric vehicle last year. The automaker claims that it shipped nearly 24% more electric vehicles to customers in 2022 than in 2021, doubling those sent to China and increasing those sent to the North American market. The ID.4 was found to be responsible for the majority of these shipments, as well as the best-selling car in one market for the second year in a row.


Further down the chart, the Volkswagen ID.3 sold 77,900 units, a 4% increase with a 68 percent increase in Europe. The BMW iX3, Polestar 2, Skoda Enyaq, Dacia Spring, Peugeot 208, Mini Hatch, and Volvo XC40 BEV were the top three best-selling EVs.

Photo credit: Motor1.com
The rest of the auto industry is racing to catch up with Tesla, improving their business models in the hopes of adapting to a new world in which electricity becomes a more promising future for the global automotive industry as a whole.
Do you want to own the famous Model Y?
Several of these are currently for sale through our dealer partners. If you're interested in a Model Y, go here.
If you want to buy a Model 3, go to this link instead.
Gallery
Written By
Anis
Previously in banking and e commerce before she realized nothing makes her happier than a revving engine and gleaming tyres........
JPJ Running Numbers
KUALA LUMPUR
VQW7965
SELANGOR
BSP7504
JOHOR
JYW2126
PULAU PINANG
PSC492
PERAK
APH2749
PAHANG
CFG4280
KEDAH
KGF7216
NEGERI SEMBILAN
NEK3370
KOTA KINABALU
SJR7562
KUCHING
QAB7232N
Last updated 10 May, 2026
Fuel Price
Petrol
RON 95
RM 3.97
+1.38
RON 97
RM 4.90
+1.75
RON 100
RM 7.20
+2.20
VPR
RM 8.23
+2.00
Diesel
EURO 5 B10
RM 5.12
+2.08
EURO 5 B7
RM 5.32
+2.08
Last updated 30 Apr, 2026
Related News
Tesla Model Y Tops China SUV Sales, BYD Drops Out of Top 5
Tesla Model Y dominated China’s SUV market in 2025, selling over 425,000 units and leaving BYD surprisingly out of the top five.
20-01-2026
Nov 2025 Vehicle Reg Down 4.4% MoM, xEV Edges Up 10.3%
Vehicle registration held firm in Nov, with xEVs inching up to 10.3% despite a 4.4% dip in overall sales.
11-12-2025
Tesla Model Y & Model 3 Standard Unveiled as Brand’s New Entry-Level Duo
The all-new Tesla Model Y and Model 3 Standard were unveiled in the US as the brand’s new entry-level EV duo.
08-10-2025
Tesla Model Y ‘Standard’ Seen in the US Ahead of Debut
Tesla’s new entry-level Model Y ‘Standard’ variant was recently seen in the US ahead of its rumoured debut.
06-10-2025
Tesla Malaysia Celebrates 10,000th Vehicle Delivery Milestone
Tesla Malaysia is celebrating its 10,000th vehicle delivery milestone with special rewards and activities.
26-09-2025
Tesla Model Y Performance – 460 HP, 580 KM WLTP, 3.5s Sprint, From RM370K
Tesla Model Y Performance debuts with 460 HP, a 580 KM WLTP range, and ability to hit 0–100 KM/H in just 3.5 secs.
29-08-2025
Tesla Model Y L Launched in China - Six-Seater, 751 KM Range
Tesla launches the Model Y L in China with six-seater layout, RM199,000 starting price tag, and 751 KM range.
19-08-2025
Tesla Unveils Long-Wheelbase Model Y L for China
Tesla Model Y L, China-exclusive variant adds size, seating and power.
17-07-2025
Latest News
Is Your EV Charger Safe? JKR Just Released The First-Ever Official Manual To Stop 'Dodgy' Installations
JKR has launched the first-ever official manual for EV charging installations in Malaysia. Find out how these new rules will make charging on federal and state roads safer and more reliable
07-05-2026
RM300,000 Is The New Entry Level: 10+ Popular EVs That Won't Survive MITI’s July 1 Rule
MITI’s July 2026 EV rules are here. From the 180kW power cap to the "impossible" 80% export rule, see why BYD is at an impasse while Proton e.MAS 7 takes the lead.
06-05-2026
Wait, A Volvo For RM153K? Volvo Malaysia Just Released 100 Barely-Driven Units & Here’s How To Snag One
Volvo Car Malaysia releases 100 Selekt Certified Used Cars starting from RM153,000. Get low-mileage EX30, XC60, and EX90 models with full warranty and 125-point inspection.
05-05-2026
Thinking Of Switching To An EV? CariCarz Automall Makes TQ Wuling Bingo Surprisingly Affordable
Looking for an affordable electric city car? Test drive the TQ Wuling Bingo EV at CariCarz Automall today! Enjoy a RM5,000 rebate, 10% ChargeSini rebates, and a free wallbox.
04-05-2026
EV-Ready & Accessible: Dunlop Enters A New Chapter Under Toyotsu Binter
Dunlop enters a new era in Malaysia under Toyotsu Binter! Discover the new EV-ready tyre lineup featuring advanced Japanese engineering and Silent Core Technology. From the e.Sport Maxx to the Blue Response TG, find out why Dunlop is the "Main Character" of Malaysia Autoshow 2026.
04-05-2026
Should Ministers Drive EVs? 5 Realities Behind The Move To Electrify The Govt Fleet
Is Malaysia's Cabinet going electric? Minister Johari Abdul Ghani discusses the potential switch to an EV official fleet and the RM7 billion subsidy challenge. Read the 5 realities behind the move.
29-04-2026
Hongqi Is Coming To Malaysia! 7 Facts About The Luxury Brand Owned By The Agong
China’s most prestigious car brand, Hongqi, is coming to M'sia! From the Agong’s own L5 to the electric E-HS9 'palace on wheels,' here are 7 facts about the luxury brand launching in 2026.
24-04-2026
How ChargeSini’s Latest Subscription Update Aims To Improve Your Charging Experience
ChargeSini announces the removal of the free idle fee allowance for subscribers effective 1 May 2026 to ensure fairer access and better efficiency for all EV drivers.
23-04-2026
Show More
trending_flat

