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
VRS2271
SELANGOR
BSU1401
JOHOR
JF384J
PULAU PINANG
PSF9490
PERAK
APL8039
PAHANG
CFH8716
KEDAH
KGJ3035
NEGERI SEMBILAN
NEM1410
KOTA KINABALU
SJU3520
KUCHING
QAB6589P
Last updated 30 Sep, 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
Model Y Long Range AWD Discontinued? Why You Might Regret Missing The Last Few Units
Tesla Malaysia has discontinued the Model Y Long Range AWD. Find out what remains in the lineup and how to secure one of the last inventory units today.
10-07-2026
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
Latest News
Kuching Gets Zeekr's First East Malaysia Store, With More Coming Next Year
Zeekr opens its first East Malaysia retail location at The Spring Kuching, with permanent sales and service centres targeted for Q1 2027.
29-09-2026
Buying A Hybrid Or EV? MAA Proposes Up To RM10,000 Tax Rebate
MAA proposes a RM7,000-RM10,000 income tax rebate for hybrid and EV buyers under Budget 2027, plus incentives for home charging and old-car scrapping.
28-09-2026
Driving Up North In An EV? There's A New 240 kW Charger At Rawang R&R
TNB Electron's new 240 kW DC EV charger at R&R Rawang Northbound is now live, with free charging available until 29 Sept 2026.
28-09-2026
Could An EV Really Work As A Malaysian Police Car? PDRM Is Finding Out
PDRM is testing the Proton e.MAS 5, e.MAS 7 EV and e.MAS 7 PHEV to see whether electrified vehicles could work for Malaysian police duties.
18-09-2026
Malaysia's Electricity Protection Is Now 800 kWh - How Much Power Does An EV Use Per 100 KM?
Malaysia's electricity protection threshold is now 800 kWh. Here's how much electricity popular EVs use per 100 km and what the extra 200 kWh means.
18-09-2026
17 New Mercedes Models Are Coming To Malaysia In 2027 - Here's What We Know
Mercedes-Benz Malaysia plans 17 new models for 2027, with most set for local assembly in Pekan. Here's what we know about its ICE and EV plans.
17-09-2026
Perodua QV-E Now At RM53,499 Vs Proton e.MAS 5: Which Makes More Sense?
Perodua QV-E now starts at RM53,499 with BaaS under its Malaysia Day promo. See how it compares with the Proton e.MAS 5 on price, range, charging and features.
16-09-2026
Yes, Tan Chong Is Involved In Perodua's EV. Here's What It's Actually Doing
Tan Chong has signed a three-year agreement to support Perodua's EV production with ED coating, painting and assembly-line services.
15-09-2026
Show More
trending_flat

