Tesla Model Y is the first electric vehicle to become the world’s best-selling car

For the first time ever, a fully electric vehicle – specifically the Tesla Model Y – is the best-selling car in the world. According to analyst data from Jato Dynamics (released by Motor1), the Tesla Model Y overtook Toyota’s RAV4 and Corolla in the first quarter of 2023 to become the world’s number one in sales. That’s particularly impressive considering that pricing for the 2023 Model Y starts at $47,490. significantly more than the 2023 Corolla ($21,550) and RAV4 ($27,575).

Figures reported by Jato Dynamics show that the Tesla Model Y sold 267,200 units worldwide in the first quarter, compared to 256,400 Corolla and 214,700 RAV4 units sold in the same period. That’s an increase of about 69 percent year-over-year for the Model Y — a number Tesla’s Meme Lord CEO Elon Musk will no doubt approve of. Musk was convinced of the Model Y’s success even before its launch, estimating back in 2016 that it would attract demand “in the range of 500,000 to 1 million units per year.”

While this is a milestone for Tesla, the Model Y’s victory isn’t particularly surprising. Tesla doesn’t provide an exact breakdown of sales, but reports that over 400,000 Model Y and Model 3 vehicles were delivered to customers in the first quarter of 2023. Also, EV development by competing automakers remains slow, allowing Tesla to continue dominating the EV market. And Tesla has cut prices on most of its lineup, including the Model Y, frequently in recent years, which may have helped boost sales.

We should note that while a Tesla electric vehicle is currently the best-selling vehicle in the world, the company is certainly not the largest global automaker overall. Volkswagen, Toyota, General Motors and Ford all report higher sales and sales figures in comparison. And according to Car Logos, Tesla doesn’t even rank in the top 10 of the world’s largest automakers, creeping up to 19th place in 2022.

Musk had previously predicted that the Model Y would claim the top spot, telling investors in 2021, “We believe the Model Y will be the best-selling car or vehicle anywhere in the world.” Probably next year. I’m not 100 percent sure next year, but I think it’s quite likely…more than likely that the Model Y will be the best-selling car or truck…in the world in 2022.”

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