Electric vehicles took the US auto market by storm in 2022 and for good reason. Demand for zero-emission EVs has never been higher. Check out the top ten best-selling electric vehicles of 2022, and learn why they earned a spot on the list.
What are the best-selling electric vehicles of 2022?
While the broader US auto market slumped this past year, electric vehicles were a bright spot. Automakers more than doubled their investments to catch EV pioneer Tesla and solidify their futures.
Fully electric vehicle sales reached over 800,000 in the United States, nearly doubling from 2021 to reach almost 6% overall market share, according to the latest figures from Motor Intelligence.
A significant reason for the uptick in demand is due to additional EV models available on the market. On top of this, new government incentives provided by the Inflation Reduction Act, passed in August, provide buyers with up to $7,500 for new EVs and up to $4,000 for used ones.
Tesla remains on top by a far margin, accounting for 65% of total EV sales in the United States in 2022. However, other automakers that were fast to react to the rapidly evolving market, like Ford, Hyundai, and GM, are beginning to claim their shares.
Ford sold 61,575 electric vehicles in 2022, claiming the second-largest US EV marker. Hyundai and Kia both set sales records last year due to strong demand for their electric models as the brands gear up for an even bigger 2023.
Meanwhile, GM says it had the “#1 mainstream EV in Q3 and Q4” (we assume not counting Tesla) in their most recent sales update. So, what are the best-selling electric vehicles driving the success? Here’s a list of the top ten EVs sold in the United States and why they earned a spot on the list.
#10 Ford F-150 Lightning
Ford raced its way to becoming the US’s second best-selling EV maker last year by converting its legendary brands into fully electric powerhouses.
It started with the Mustang Mach-E (which also made the list) as Ford later converted its best-selling F-series to meet the demands of the new EV era.
The F-150 Lightning was revealed to the world in May 2021 and, by the end of the year, already had over 200,000 reservations or three years of backlog. After ramping production, the Ford F-150 Lightning became the number one electric truck in the United States in December and best selling since its release in May.
The electric pickup offers ample storage with a 14.1 cubic ft Mega-Power Frunk and advanced capabilities like onboard power that can be used to power home essentials, a campsite, or workstation, etc.
Ford’s electric truck is capable enough for those looking to switch from its gas-powered peers while gaining a massive tech upgrade.
#9 Volkswagen ID.4
Volkswagen sold 20,511 ID.4’s in the United States last year as demand for VW’s first all-electric SUV continued building.
The VW ID.4, based on the MEB platform, began production in 2020 and has since risen to become one of the top-selling EVs as a practical everyday SUV with plenty of range (up to 275 miles EPA estimated range) for your daily travels. With a starting price of less than $40,000, the ID.4 gives you that luxury feel without paying the premium.
On top of this, the EV includes VW’s advanced driver assistance tech called IQ.DRIVE, featuring travel assist, adaptive cruise control, active blind spot monitor, front assist, and more.
Volkswagen’s ID.4 makes a great first EV for those looking for a roomy, safe vehicle for a decent starting price.
#8 Kia EV6
Kia hit the ground running in one of the most impressive brand transformations the auto industry has seen for some time. The automaker’s first dedicated electric vehicle, the Kia EV6, has a sharp style and is fun to drive with surprising performance.
Sitting on The Hyundai Motor Company’s E-GMP platform, the EV6 was revealed by Kia in May 2021. It’s an all-electric sport crossover fit for the modern era.
The Kia EV6 comes with up to 310 miles range, 18 min fast charging (10% to 80%), vehicle-to-load capabilities, and much more. For those who like a little more thrill out of their ride, the Kia EV6 GT comes loaded with 576 hp, enough to beat a Ferrari and Lamborghini in a race.
#7 Hyundai IONIQ 5
Hyundai, who owns a controlling interest in Kia, has also successfully broken into the EV market, introducing its “game-changing” IONIQ 5 SUV.
Introduced in February 2021, the bold, futuristic-looking IONIQ 5 has already won several awards, capturing the hearts of many drivers making the switch to fully electric. The IONIQ 5 also sits on the E-GMP platform as Hyundai reimagined every detail for its first dedicated EV.
Hyundai’s IONIQ 5 is another practical SUV, like the ID.4 and EV6, with up to 303 miles EPA range for a decent starting price.
#6 Tesla Model X
Tesla still has a massive lead in terms of production capabilities, and its first SUV, the Model X, continues seeing strong demand despite smaller, more affordable Tesla models being launched.
The Model X is the largest EV in Tesla’s lineup (excluding Cybertruck and Semi) and sports long-range capabilities (348 mile EPA range), AWD dual motor, a sizeable 7-seat interior, 88 cu ft cargo space, and 5,000 lbs towing capacity.
With over 1,020 hp peak power, the Model X Plaid is the quickest accelerating of any SUV (0 to 60 mph in 2.5 seconds) and still offers 333 EPA estimated range.
For a while, the Model X was the go-to electric family car, but with more cost-effective options hitting the market, many wondered if sales would slow. For now, the Model X continues its reign.
#5 Chevy Bolt EV/EUV
The Chevy Bolt EV and EUV models had a massive year in 2022 despite resuming production in April due to a recall in 2021.
GM said the Chevy Bolt was the “number 1 mainstream EV in the Q3 and Q4,” ending the year on a high note. With a starting price of just over $25,000, the Bolt EV is the cheapest electric vehicle in the US, but that doesn’t mean it’s any less functional.
The Chevy Bolt EV is quick, fun to drive, and still offers a decent range (259-mile EPA range) which is why it won Electrek’svehicle of the year in 2022.
#4 Tesla Model S
The Tesla Model S speaks for itself. It’s super sleek, offers ultra-long-range capabilities (405 miles EPA est), and features unparalleled performance.
The all-electric luxury Model S sedan was a primary driver behind the mainstream EV movement with quick acceleration (0 to 60 in 3.1 seconds), extended range, and confident handling.
It also features ample storage and a modern interior, making it a practical drive and still one of the best luxury EVs on the market, with a starting price of $104,990.
#3 Ford Mustang Mach-E
Ford is another legacy automaker that embraced the electric vehicle movement, carrying its iconic Mustang brand into the new EV era.
The Mustang Mach-E was introduced in 2019 and has steadily gained momentum since. The five-seat SUV starts at $46,895, offering a smooth, quiet ride with ample range.
Ford’s Mach-E features a spacious interior, over-the-air software updates, and advanced safety features. Furthermore, with several different trims offering a mix of range and performance capabilities, you are sure to find the right model for you.
#2 Tesla Model 3
Tesla introduced the Model 3 to reduce the entry price to own an electric vehicle without sacrificing range or performance.
Customers began receiving their Model 3s in 2018, and the model quickly became the best-selling electric vehicle at the time. The Tesla Model 3 offers the same Tesla spirit, with plenty of power and superior handling.
The four-door EV is built for safety, achieving a five-star NHTSA rating in every category, quick acceleration (0 to 60 mph in 3.1 seconds), long-range capabilities (358-mile EPA range), and a starting price of $46,990.
#1 Tesla Model Y
The Model 3 was the best-selling electric vehicle, of course, until the Model Y hit the market.
The Tesla Model Y began rolling out in 2020 and has exploded in popularity ever since. After edging out gas-powered vehicles in Europe for the best-selling car title, the Model Y looks to do the same in the United States, already placing among the top ten overall vehicle sales. In fact, the Tesla Model Y is on its way to becoming the top-selling car globally, and for good reason.
Tesla’s Model Y comes with an AWD dual motor, 76 cu ft storage, and 330-mile range, all for a starting price of $65,990.
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Tesla and Rivian have been embroiled in a lawsuit in which the former accused the latter of having stolen battery technology by poaching Tesla employees.
It sounds like the two automakers are finally about to settle the lawsuit, which has been going on for 4 years.
When Tesla filed the lawsuit, it wasn’t clear what trade secrets Tesla was claiming Rivian had stolen. However, we noted that the employees listed in the lawsuits were two recruiters, an EHS manager, and a manager of Tesla’s charging networks.
The automaker claimed that these employees brought “documents consisting of highly sensitive trade secret, confidential, and proprietary engineering information” when they went to work for Rivian.
Over a year later, we now learn that Tesla had notified the court that it expects to file to get the lawsuit dismissed after reaching a conditional agreement with Rivian. The company didn’t disclose the details of the settlement (via Bloomberg):
Tesla didn’t disclose specifics about the agreement in a court filing, but told a California state judge that it expects to seek dismissal of the case by Dec. 24 upon satisfactory completion of the terms.
Neither Tesla nor Rivian have commented on the reported settlement.
While Tesla has claimed that it somewhat open-sourced its patents, we have previously noted that it’s not exactly the case. Tesla claims to let other companies use its patented technology as long as they themselves don’t sue them over patent rights.
And in this specific case, Tesla alleges that Rivian has specifically hired employees to steal technologies. Again, Rivian has denied the allegation.
Electrek’s Take
The terms are unknown, but in similar cases, it often involves things like some level of access to make sure that no proprietary technology is being used or has been used.
The lawsuit is not exactly clear, but based on the timeline and the allegations of “next-gen batteries”, Tesla could have been talking about its 4680 battery cells, although those are cells. It could also be the structural battery pack.
French infrastructure specialists Proviridis have partnered with EVSE manufacturer Kempower to deliver a novel, underground charging solution for electric semi trucks designed to easily integrate into existing truck depots.
By installing its high-powered charging cabinets underground and integrating the charging cables into a solid metal pipe, Kempower and Proviridis have been able to make room for high-powered charging points in an existing truck depot that didn’t have enough space to install either conventional EVSE or overhead “drop lines.”
For the pilot, the metal pipe is painted in a striking yellow color to make it easier to see while maneuvering the lot, and keeping the dispensers themselves more protected than conventional concrete bollards. The 600 kW power cabinet is positioned a few yards away – a typical space-saving Kempower solution – and connected to the charge points by underground cable.
Proviridis believes their solution provides enough of a competitive advantage that fleet buyers looking to electrify will be eager to give it a try.
“The product is durable across a wide spectrum of temperatures and conditions, requires minimal ventilation, and can cater for a wide range of customer needs,” explains Olivier Verdu, Technical Director at Proviridis. “These are features which perfectly place the Kempower solution for this type of charging configuration in a logistics environment.”
In honor of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, eBike specialist Buzz Bicycles is offering an exclusive discount for Electrek readers on its Centris Class 2 Folding Bike.
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Buzz Bicycles is back with an exclusive new deal
Buzz Bicycles has been a mainstay on Electrek for a few years now, as we have covered several of its electric bikes, which suit riders of all skill levels and help them “Buzz through life.” Buzz is an omnichannel eBike brand that prioritizes direct-to-consumerism and has found success in its mission to deliver ultimate transportation solutions at an excellent value for its growing base of eBike enthusiasts.
The company strives to deliver riders a “Wow moment,” which is usually brought on as they feel the pedal assist function kick in. This feature delivers all you need to conquer hills and longer rides while enjoying new adventures with friends.
The Buzz team has utilized decades of industry experience into its portfolio of eBikes, all conceived and designed in Dayton, Ohio. The company, which operates under the United Wheels umbrella alongside brands like Huffy Bicycles, Niner Bikes, and Batch Bicycles, has adopted an ethos that the freedom of riding should be fun and accessible for everyone, no matter what adventure lies ahead.
By leveraging the global presence of its parent company, Buzz Bicycles can make good on its promise to deliver affordable eBikes that are comfortable, powerful, and safe, much like the Centris Folding eBike, which is as versatile and compact as it is fun. The exclusive deal Buzz Bicycles is offering on the Centris makes it even more fun. You can take advantage of it below.
But first, you’ll want to learn about the capabilities of this foldable eBike to truly understand its value, as well as what accessories are available to level up your purchase.
The Buzz Centris is an easy to ride foldable eBike for all
The Buzz Centris is a Class 2 Folding eBike built for comfort and convenience no matter where you take it. At full size, the Centris’ step-through frame offers a low step-over height of just 16 inches, perfect for riders of all sizes, enabling easy transitions from ground to saddle for its riders.
When you’re not riding, the Centris from Buzz Bicycles folds neatly to 34 inches in length and 22 inches in height, making it easy to store at home or to carry in a vehicle on the way to your next ride. Furthermore, the assembled bike only weighs 68 pounds, making it easy to transport.
You can easily navigate tougher terrain on the Centris thanks to the eBike’s 20″ x 4″ knobby tires and front suspension. The bike is powered by a 48V, 500-watt-hour (Wh) battery pack that can propel it to a top speed of 20 mph for an all-electric range of up to 40 miles on a single charge.
Additionally, this folding model from Buzz Bicycles comes equipped with both a front and rear rack, offering versatile cargo-carrying options so you can customize your ride with a variety of Buzz accessories.
Like all Buzz eBikes, the Centris is tested and deemed compliant with the UL2849 standard. This standard covers the entire electric bicycle system, including the motor, battery, controller, and charger, offering the highest safety standards for added peace of mind.
The Centris Class 2 folding bike from Buzz is available in two colors: Gloss White or Matte Black. This $1,199 eBike is currently reduced to $899 – and you can score an additional $200 off with this exclusive promo, but only for a limited time.
With the purchase of any Buzz eBike, including the Centris, you are guaranteed the following:
10-year limited warranty (lightweight aluminum frame protected for full 10 years)
2-year limited warranty (electrical components covered by 2-year warranty for peace of mind)
6-month limited warranty (additional bike components protected by a 6-month warranty)
Are you interested in the Centris from Buzz Bicycles? You’ve come to the right place. Starting today, while supplies last, you can take advantage of an additional $200 off the sale price by using promo code “ELECTREK200.“ That’s a $500 discount in total!
We highly recommend perusing Buzz’s entire lineup of products. They are designed for commuters and casual riders, with technology and features that help you quickly feel comfortable riding. If you are new to the world of E-transportation, Buzz Bicycles is the brand for you.
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