10 Best-Selling Electric Cars of 2023
The list of best-selling vehicles in the country is normally dominated by economical sedans and crossovers – for most American buyers, practicality and low running costs win out over other characteristics, and vehicles like the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, and Hyundai Elantra often top the sales charts thanks to their strong MPG ratings. When it comes to the best-selling electric cars, however, it’s not efficiency that seems to be the most important statistic, it’s range.
Indeed, registration numbers recently released by the U.S. Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, part of the Department of Energy, show that only two of the 10 best-selling electric cars in the country advertised less than 300 miles of range in their biggest-battery version. The list featured vehicles from across the price spectrum, from entry-level Chevrolets to six-figure Teslas and Rivians – but they were all united by their ability to go a long way on a charge. So, what were the best-selling electric vehicles in 2023? Read on.
#10: Rivian R1T
A showcase of just what’s possible when you design a truck to be powered by electricity from the ground up, the Rivian is an impressive achievement. A midsize truck packing full-sized space in its gorgeous interior, the R1T also has a huge load bay as well as many clever cargo spaces integrated into its body. It also has incredible off-road capability, with standard all-wheel drive, a height-adjustable air suspension, and more. Over 13,000 Rivians were delivered in 2022.
Maximum range (EPA estimate): 314 miles
Starting MSRP: $73,000
#9: Volkswagen ID.4
The Volkswagen ID.4 is the people’s electric car – or more accurately, the people’s electric SUV; almost 20,000 were sold in 2022. Designed from the ground up for electric power, it has the space of an Atlas on the footprint of a Tiguan, and is a slick, easy drive with great real-world range. While its infotainment system takes a bit of getting used to, drivers will love its uncluttered interior, with a spacious rear seat and large cargo area.
Maximum range (EPA estimate): 275 miles
Starting MSRP: $38,995
#8: Kia EV6
Sleek and sexy, the Kia EV6 proves that electric cars can combine speed, style, and efficiency in one appealing package. It has a super-long wheelbase which liberates an amazing amount of room in the back seat, and we love its futuristic, luxurious interior. Plenty of performance is on tap as well, especially if you go for the high-performance GT model. Over 20,000 EV6s found homes in the U.S. in 2022.
Maximum range (EPA estimate): 310 miles
Starting MSRP: $48,700
#7: Hyundai Ioniq 5
With its distinctive retro-futuristic style, massive interior, and impressive array of features, it’s no surprise that Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 broke into the top-10 list in 2022, with over 22,000 sold. It looks like nothing else on the road, and thanks to being designed from the ground up as an EV, it packs an incredible amount of space in a relatively compact package. Nifty features include front lounge chairs that make charging a pleasure, as well as vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability that lets you run electrical accessories and appliances from the car.
Maximum range (EPA estimate): 303 miles
Starting MSRP: $42,785
#6: Chevrolet Bolt EUV
We’ve waxed lyrical about the Chevrolet Bolt on GreenCars; it’s simply the best EV deal going, offering an amazing amount of space, capability, and range for a limited budget. A longer, slightly taller version of the Bolt EV, the Bolt EUV adds a bit of crossover attitude as well as a more spacious rear seat to an already-attractive package. Even with its raised ride height and increased weight, range is barely affected, and it’s hard to beat the entry-level Chevy’s price. Over 25,000 were sold in 2022.
Maximum range (EPA estimate): 247 miles
Starting MSRP: $27,800
#5: Tesla Model S
The Tesla Model S is the car that transformed the electric vehicle market, turning electric cars from economy-minded vehicles for geeks into sleek, sexy objects of desire. Over a decade from its introduction, the Model S still looks fantastic, and a major refresh of its interior means it’s up to date inside as well, with a new landscape-format screen and the choice of a steering wheel or “yoke” for the front wheels. While the Model S Plaid, with over 1,000 horsepower, gets all of the headlines, regular Model S versions offer superior range and performance that will still take your breath away. Clearly, more than 26,000 Americans agree.
Maximum range (EPA estimate): 405 miles
Starting MSRP: $89,990
#4: Tesla Model X
The falcon-winged Tesla Model X is one of the original electric SUVs, and while its popularity has waned as less-expensive vehicles have entered the market, over 33,000 found homes in the U.S. in 2022. Model X buyers love its interior, which is massively spacious with glass roof panels, as well as its performance, with straight-line performance that is as quick as many super sports cars. On the other hand, it’s heavy, and in a rapidly-evolving market, its exterior styling feels out of date compared to newer competitors.
Maximum range (EPA estimate): 348 miles
Starting MSRP: $101,380
#3: Ford Mustang Mach-E
The Mustang Mach-E is Ford’s best-selling electric cars, with almost 40,000 sold in 2022. It’s also one of our favorite electric crossovers on the market. It has great style, a spacious, well-made interior, and an amazing driving experience that combines calm cruising with sporty handling. We also really like how easy its technology is to use, Ford’s widespread dealer network should you need service, and the impressive range available. Ford recently dropped prices for Mach-E models, making all versions more affordable. There's one for almost every taste, and its variants cover a wide variety of budgets.
Maximum range (EPA estimate): 314 miles
Starting MSRP: $42,995
#2: Tesla Model 3
Almost 200,000 U.S. buyers took delivery of a Tesla Model 3 in 2022, making it not only the country’s best-selling electric sedan, but also the best-selling premium sedan. It handily outsold perennially popular four-door models from brands like BMW, Audi, and Mercedes-Benz. Available in a variety of configurations and prices, the Model 3 offers a spacious interior, intuitive technology, impressive performance, sporty handling, and excellent efficiency and range. Recent price drops have made it an even more attractive buy.
Maximum range (EPA estimate): 358 miles
Starting MSRP: $35,000
#1: Tesla Model Y
Since its introduction, the Tesla Model Y has been the best-selling electric car in America, and that didn’t change in 2022. Over 228,000 Americans bought Model Ys, and it’s not hard to see why. The Model Y takes the best parts of the popular Model 3 sedan and adds a versatile crossover body style with plenty of room for five. Other pluses include Tesla’s clean interior architecture, incredible performance, up-to-date technology, and access to Tesla’s excellent Supercharger fast-charging network.
Maximum range (EPA estimate): 330 miles
Starting MSRP: $46,990
