EV Sales Soar in the U.S. - A Look at the Top 10 EVs

January 18, 2024

By Kevin Armstrong

Tesla leads the way in EV Sales

Not a Tesla App

The electric vehicle market in the United States hit a new milestone in 2023, with a record-breaking sale of approximately 1.2 million units, the vast majority of them Teslas. The latest report contradicts previous claims that the demand for EVs is diminishing. Clearly, there is a growing shift towards electrification in the automotive industry, highlighting consumer enthusiasm for more sustainable transportation options.

A Surge in EV Popularity

According to Kelley Blue Book, in 2023, the total number of new electric vehicles put into service was 1,189,051, a significant increase from previous years. This rise in EV adoption contributed to EVs capturing 7.6% of the total U.S. vehicle market, up from 5.9% in 2022. The fourth quarter of 2023 was particularly notable, with EV sales setting records in volume (317,168 units) and market share (8.1%). Despite these impressive figures, the pace of growth has shown signs of slowing, with a year-over-year increase of 40% in Q4, compared to higher growth rates in earlier quarters.

Tesla: Leading the Charge

Tesla remains a dominant force in the U.S. EV market, accounting for 55% of all EV sales in 2023. While this decreased from 65% in 2022, Tesla's aggressive pricing strategy has helped maintain its market leadership. The Tesla Model Y alone represented 33% of all EVs sold in 2023, and Tesla's overall share of the U.S. market reached a new high of 4.20%. The Model Y and Model 3 are the reigning Cost to Own Award winners, according to Kelley Blue Book as well.

Rk	Vehicle	Units Sold in 2023
1.	Tesla Model Y	394,497
2.	Tesla Model 3	220,910
3.	Chevrolet Bolt EV/EUV	62,045
4.	Ford Mustang Mach-E	40,771
5.	Volkswagen ID.4	37,789
6.	Hyundai Ioniq 5	33,918
7.	Rivian R1S	24,783
8.	Ford F-150 Lightning	24,165
9.	Tesla Model X	23,015
10.	BMW i4	22,583

The Tesla Model Y led the pack in 2023, with 394,497 units sold, followed by the Tesla Model 3 at 220,910. Other top sellers included the Chevrolet Bolt EV/EUV, Ford Mustang Mach-E, Volkswagen ID.4, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Rivian R1S, Ford F-150 Lightning, Tesla Model X, and the BMW i4.

Competition is Starting to Heat Up

While Tesla remains at the forefront, other automakers are at least on the playing field. German luxury brands like BMW, Audi, and Mercedes-Benz have seen an increase in their EV sales, with EVs making up 12.5%, 11%, and 11.5% of their total brand sales in 2023. This growth indicates a shifting trend among luxury car buyers towards electric models.

Non-luxury brands are also making significant strides in the EV market. Volkswagen, for example, reported that EVs accounted for 11.5% of its total sales in 2023. This diversification among manufacturers suggests a broadening appeal of EVs across different market segments.

One of the hurdles in EV adoption has been the cost. In December 2023, the average price for a new EV was $50,789. However, changes in tax incentives and shifts in the market are anticipated to bring EV prices closer to those of internal combustion engine vehicles. The Chevy Bolt and Nissan Leaf were among the few EVs with a manufacturer’s suggested retail price below $40,000 in December.

2024: The Year of More for EVs

The Cox Automotive Economic and Industry Insights team has dubbed 2024 "the Year of More" for EVs. Expectations include increased new product offerings, incentives, inventory, leasing options, and infrastructure development. These factors are predicted to push EV sales even higher, potentially reaching a 10% market share in the U.S. by the end of 2024.

The EV market is set to become more competitive and diverse, with Kelley Blue Book estimating over 70 different EV models to be available within the next two years. This expansion in choice is likely to fuel further growth in EV sales as consumers have a wider range of options to suit their preferences and budgets.

Norway Approves Tesla’s FSD Testing on Public Roads; Potential for Europe-Wide Deployment

April 26, 2025

By Karan Singh

Not a Tesla App

According to filings found by Kees Roelandschap on X, Tesla has obtained a 2-year exemption from UNECE autonomy regulations to run FSD Supervised on public roads in Norway. This marks one of the first positive developments for regulations and autonomy in Europe — great news for European customers.

Previously, European transportation agencies stressed additional caution and requested more time to legislate, further delaying the widespread UNECE regulation changes for autonomous vehicles.

Norwegian FSD - Employees Only

Following the recent approval from the Norwegian Road Authority, Tesla will be permitted to use its Supervised vehicles on public roads in a testing capacity. This exemption does not yet apply to customers, so we will have to wait and see how testing progresses.

Tesla will specifically be allowed to run FSD V13 and its derivative builds (meaning AI4 vehicles only) with automated steering and speed controls on EU-registered and approved vehicles.

Tesla will also be required to have Tesla-trained drivers (employees) conduct the testing. There is no specific policy in place that enables the use of FSD for customers at this time. However, as testing is conducted and bureaucratic hurdles are overcome across various transportation departments, Tesla may be able to extend the offer to European customers. According to Tesla’s latest earnings call, the company still plans to release FSD in Europe by the end of the year.

Tesla has already begun testing in the Netherlands, showing off FSD’s capabilities in Amsterdam.

FSD Supervised in Europe, pending regulatory approval pic.twitter.com/PYkcATjSUN
— Tesla Europe & Middle East (@teslaeurope) April 5, 2025

Article 39 Exemption

The UNECE can grant exemptions for innovative technologies that move faster than legislation under Article 39. However, Tesla requires the backing of a national ministry of transport to bring this to the UNECE’s attention. The next round of voting on critical issues is expected on May 12, 2025, which may not leave Tesla much time to present its findings to UNECE.

We don’t expect Tesla to receive authorization immediately. It may take several weeks or months of testing from the Netherlands or Norway teams before one of the two countries is willing to support Tesla’s exemption bid.

However, if Tesla achieves an Article 39 exemption, it could allow Tesla to roll out FSD to customers across Europe, provided there are no country-level exemptions.

Tesla Reintroduces FSD Transfers in North America

April 25, 2025

By Karan Singh

Not a Tesla App

Following customer requests, Tesla has once again returned FSD Transfers for North America. This comes after some new details we received on FSD Supervised and Unsupervised at the recent Q1 2025 Earnings Call.

Vox Populi, Vox Dei … FSD Transfer is back

All countries (in NA), all S3XY + @cybertruck (excl Foundation Series & Launch Series)
— Tesla North America (@tesla_na) April 25, 2025

FSD Transfers

This latest round of FSD transfers doesn’t have a specific time limit - so if you’re in the market for a new vehicle and were worried about transferring FSD from a HW3 vehicle - now is the best chance.

This transfer opportunity is applicable for any new vehicle purchases, including the Model S, 3, X, Y, as well as the Cybertruck. The only vehicles it doesn’t apply to are the Foundation-Series Cybertruck or a Launch-Series Model Y, which already come with FSD included.

If you’re conducting an FSD transfer, you’ll need to reach out to your Tesla delivery coordinator through the Tesla app to confirm you’re eligible and to get the process started.

Note that once you take delivery, FSD access is removed from your older vehicle, regardless if you plan to trade in your vehicle or keep it.

Canada and Mexico

For those in Canada and Mexico, there’s some good news. This opportunity is available for customers in those countries as well, however, new vehicle orders are currently paused in Canada and Mexico for unknown reasons.