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Tesla Global Leader in EV Deliveries in 2022 and 2021 - Expectations for 2023

A published list of BEV and PHEV sales for 2022 and 2021 shows Tesla as the clear leader.

BEV and PHEV sales in 2022 and 2021

The list of the top-selling BEV (battery electric vehicles) and PHEV (plug-in hybrid electric vehicles) has been published, and it shows Tesla as the clear leader. Let's go over the leaderboard.

1: Tesla Model Y: 771K (2022) and 411K (2021)
2: Tesla Model 3: 476K (2022) and 500K (2021)
3: Wuling HongGuang Mini BEV: 424K (2022) and 424K (2021)
4: BYD Song Pro/Plus PHEV: 410K (2022) and 79K (2021)
5: BYD Dolphin HB BEV: 205K (2022) and 30K (2021)
6: BYD Yuan Plus/Atto-3 BEV: 202K (2022) and 0K (2021)
7: BYD Qin Plus DM-i PHEV: 195K (2022) and 112K (2021)
8: VW ID.4 (incl. X & Crozz): 174K (2022) and 122K (2021)
9: BYD Han BEV: 145K (2022) and 87K (2021)
10: BYD Han PHEV: 129K (2022) and 30K (2021)

It's interesting that Tesla tops this list for 2022 with 1.251 million units of the Model Y and Model 3 and that BYD has SIX vehicles in the top 10, including many PHEV vehicles which are not pure EVs (electric vehicles). Tesla is doing quite a lot with its two vehicle models, and I expect to see a compact or Robotaxi version vehicle show up on this list eventually. The Cybertruck may even make it to the top of this list in the next couple of years.

Tesla has created great efficiency with the Model 3 and Model Y vehicles. One is a sedan and the other is an SUV. This simplifies Tesla's manufacturing process, but also has the con of not offering much variety. I think most people, according to the sales numbers, don't care much about the variety and just want an amazing car.

The Wuling HongGuang Mini BEV is an interesting car because it costs just $14,040 making it one of the most affordable EVs in the world. It has a single motor with 40 horsepower and two possible ranges of 75 miles and 106 miles. It has a top speed of 62 mph. There are 4 seats in it. It's a small vehicle and dangerous to be in if you get into an accident. But, it's very affordable...

It is expected in the future, that there will be a bigger version of the Wuling HongGuang Mini BEV, that will have a range of 186 miles, but that will also have a higher price. This small vehicle is good for people who can't afford a more expensive vehicle and can charge it easily. I wouldn't want to drive it, though, it's not safe at all and would get crumpled in a collision.

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Expectations for 2023

With these numbers being published, what are the expectations for 2023? With Giga Berlin and Giga Texas ramping production, the Model 3 and the Model Y should see increases in numbers, but more particularly, the Model Y will see the larger increase. It's in high demand and is going to have its price increased in the U.S. again.

For 2022, there were a total of 10.5 new BEVs and PHEVs delivered. I don't like to count the hybrids, though, as they still contain a gas engine. When you combine BEVs and PHEVs, BYD is the global leader in vehicle production. If you count just BEVs, Tesla is the global leader in vehicle production. Tesla also owns the greatest margins and profit margins.

You can deduce what is going to happen with Tesla by simply taking a growth percentage of around 40% for its vehicles. The Model 3 isn't likely going to increase by this much, unless Tesla gets its Project Highland going and can reduce the price of it.

For the Model Y, you get 771K units for 2022 multiplied by 1.4, which equals nearly 1.1 million units. I would expect that and maybe a little more for 2023 because of Giga Berlin and Giga Texas ramping to volume production. The Model 3 will most likely stay flat. The Cybertruck will contribute to volume as well, but not much for this year.

BYD vehicles are all likely to see an increase in sales, though not as much as Tesla's Model Y. In conclusion, I think Tesla will maintain its BEV lead and BYD will maintain its lead with BEV + PHEV vehicles.

What do you think of this list of global leaders in electric and hybrid vehicles? Should hybrid vehicles receive tax credits?

In Related News: Tesla Autopilot ranked 7th by Consumer Reports

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Jeremy Johnson is a Tesla investor and supporter. He first invested in Tesla in 2017 after years of following Elon Musk and admiring his work ethic and intelligence. Since then, he's become a Tesla bull, covering anything about Tesla he can find, while also dabbling in other electric vehicle companies. Jeremy covers Tesla developments at Torque News. You can follow him on Twitter or LinkedIn to stay in touch and follow his Tesla news coverage on Torque News.

Image Credit, Tesla, Screenshot