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The Tesla Model Y was the world’s best-selling car in Q1 2023, marking the first time ever that an EV has achieved this feat, according to industry analyst JATO Dynamics.

Model Y sales have been growing around the world for the last few years, putting the car on the trajectory to become the world’s best-selling vehicle. The feat was first predicted even before the car came to market, as Tesla thought the car could see up to a million units of demand per year.

It was an ambitious goal at the time, with many considering it another example of an “optimistic” Tesla prediction, but last year Tesla said the Model Y was on track to become the world’s best-selling car in 2023.

Last year, the Model Y was the best-selling vehicle in Europe and California, the fourth best-selling in China despite China’s different tastes and model availability compared to the rest of the world, and was on the US top ten list but significantly behind several trucks and SUVs. These performances made it the third-best selling car worldwide.

But now, it looks like Tesla’s #1 sales prediction has come true. The Model Y has dethroned the Toyota Corolla as the world’s best-selling car in Q1 and looks like it may well maintain this position for the full year.

JATO Dynamics analyst Felipe Munoz compiled the data for Motor1, showing that the Model Y had 267,200 sales in Q1, according to data from 53 markets and projections/estimates for the rest of the world. This put it ahead of the Corolla at 256,400 sales for the same period and significantly ahead of the other top-five cars, the Hilux, Rav4, and Camry, all from Toyota.

While we don’t know if this placing will continue for the rest of the year, Model Y sales have been continually growing, whereas Corolla sales are trending slightly downward. One model is new and based on new technology, and the other is an old standard – though the current iteration of both models came out in a similar time frame, 2018 for the Corolla and 2019 for Model Y.

And given Tesla’s massive price cuts this year on Model Y, this will surely make the car accessible to more people compared to 2022.

Indeed, Model Y sales are already growing compared to last year. In 2022, Tesla had two of the top ten cars in the world, with Model Y achieving 759k sales. That gives it an average quarterly run rate of 189k, and this year’s Q1 number is a significant increase from that.

If Model Y continues at this rate or sales continue to grow at all for the rest of this year, it will exit 2023 with over 1 million sales. The only other vehicle in the world to sell 1 million units last year was the Toyota Corolla, at 1.12 million. So it might be close at year’s end, but we think it’s likely that Model Y will maintain its position.

The achievement is even more impressive given Model Y’s pricing and availability. While the Model Y does have broad availability in the world’s largest markets, the Corolla is available everywhere. JATO’s analysis combined all localizations (Corolla, Levin, Allion, Lingshang) and body styles (sedan, hatchback, wagon) of the Corolla model across the world to come up with its sales number.

And despite recent price cuts, the Model Y at ~$40k (after credits) is still significantly more expensive than a base-model Corolla at $21k. Higher prices generally restrict the addressable market, and while the total cost of ownership is lower for EVs, the Corolla can still claim a TCO advantage over the vehicle that is now beating it for market share.

Electrek’s Take

While the data has looked positive so far this year, this is the first confirmation by an industry analyst that we’ve seen of the Model Y’s position. We expected this would happen, and now it has, at least for Q1.

For those of us who have been in the electric game for a long time, we’ve had to hear a whole lot of people tell us that EVs are a fad, that traditional automakers will eventually wake up and dominate the market, that EVs are the “future” (not the present), and that the “demand isn’t there” – this quote specifically from Toyota, the company that has just been dethroned.

Well, here we are. An EV is presently the best-selling vehicle in the world. Not just in California, not just in Europe, but everywhere. Add them all up, and the EV wins.

Considering the rest of the industry’s inability (or lack of desire) to scale EV production, and Tesla’s relative inexperience at making cars, this is an incredibly impressive feat.

And it’s a mark against the rest of the industry that they didn’t see this coming. Each time Tesla entered a new segment, it devoured sales from competing vehicles in that segment – other modes’ sales went down, while Tesla’s sales went up in rough proportion. And yet, the industry continued to sit on its hands years after this was apparent. The arrogance of established industry has helped Tesla get this far – they should have followed when Tesla told them what needed to be done (instead of nine years later), but they were too prideful or too lazy to do so.

The fact is that consumers want EVs, they just haven’t been given enough options. When a well-made (non-compliance) EV comes around, it will sell, and Tesla seems like the only company interested in making them in big numbers.

It does seem like the industry is finally starting to get the message, offering more EVs, building up production capacity, and taking them seriously. But many automakers are still only dipping their toes into the water, and those automakers won’t do well in the long run. EVs are here; EVs are popular, and you need to make them now. Tesla has proven it time and time again, and now that an EV from a startup that didn’t even exist at the turn of the century is the top-selling vehicle in the entire world, maybe everyone will finally get the message.

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Hyundai wants you to know: The 3-row IONIQ 9 is seriously spacious

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Hyundai wants you to know: The 3-row IONIQ 9 is seriously spacious

Hyundai’s first three-row electric SUV is finally here, and it’s even better than we expected. The IONIQ 9 arrives with “class-leading” interior space, up to 335 miles of range, and much more. Hyundai is showing off just how spacious the IONIQ 9 really is.

Hyundai highlights how spacious the 3-row IONIQ 9 is

It’s been less than two months since the first IONIQ 9 models rolled off the assembly line at Hyundai’s massive new manufacturing plant in Georgia.

With its first three-row electric SUV about to reach dealerships any day, Hyundai wants you to know that the IONIQ 9 is spacious enough for just about anyone.

“The IONIQ 9 is more than just a vehicle; it’s a space where life happens,” Hyundai Motor America’s marketing chief, Sean Gilpin, explained.

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Hyundai launched a new ad campaign on Friday, ” Space to Connect, ” to highlight the SUV’s class-leading interior space.

With the second and third-row seats folded, the IONIQ 9 boasts up to 2,462 liters (87 cubic feet) of interior cargo space. That’s even more than the 2025 Ford Explorer with up to 2,429 liters (85.8 cubic feet). With all seats upright, the IONIQ 9 still has 620 liters of cargo capacity.

It’s not only spacious, but the IONIQ 9’s interior is packed with Hyundai’s most advanced software and connectivity tech.

As part of a curved panoramic display, the infotainment system includes dual 12″ driver display and infotainment screens.

Earlier this month, Hyundai announced that the 2026 IONIQ 9 will start at $58,995. With a $1,600 destination fee, the base RWD S model, which has a range of up to 335 miles, also starts at $60,555.

For $64,365 (including destination), you can upgrade to the AWD SE model with 303 horsepower and 320 miles range. Meanwhile, the range-topping IONIQ 9 AWD Performance Calligraphy Design trim, which gets added Matte paint, 21″ wheels, and 311 miles driving range, starts at $78,090.

2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9 Model EV Powertrain Drivetrain Driving
Range
(miles)
Starting Price
(including destination fee)
IONIQ 9 RWD S 160-kW (215-HP)
Electric Motor
Rear-
Wheel
Drive
335 $60,555
IONIQ 9 AWD SE 226.1 kW (303-HP)
Dual Electric Motors
All-Wheel
Drive
320 $64,365
IONIQ 9 AWD SEL 226.1-kW (303-HP)
Dual Electric Motors
All-Wheel
Drive
320 $67,920
IONIQ 9 AWD 
PERFORMANCE LIMITED
314.6-kW (422-HP)
Dual Electric Motors
All-Wheel
Drive
311 $72,850
IONIQ 9 AWD
PERFORMANCE
CALLIGRAPHY
314.6-kW (422-HP)
Dual Electric Motors
All-Wheel
Drive
311 $76,590
IONIQ 9 AWD
PERFORMANCE
CALLIGRAPHY DESIGN
314.6-kW (422-HP)
Dual Electric Motors
All-Wheel
Drive
311 $78,090
2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9 prices and driving range by trim (*including a $1,600 destination fee)

The IONIQ 9 has a native NACS port to access Tesla Superchargers. Using a 350 kW DC fast charger, it can charge from 10% to 80% in as little as 24 minutes.

Hyundai is also offering a free ChargePoint Home Flex Level 2 charger on any new 2026 IONIQ 9 or 2025 IONIQ 5. The offer is good for purchases or leases.

While you wait for the three-row IONIQ 9, Hyundai’s smaller IONIQ 5 is currently on sale. With leases starting at just $209 per month, the IONIQ 5 is hard to pass up right now. You can use our link to find Hyundai IONIQ 5 models at a dealer near you today.

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Here’s every used EV that qualifies for a $4,000 tax credit as of May 2025

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Here's every used EV that qualifies for a ,000 tax credit as of May 2025

Federal tax credits are starting to waver under the current administration, but as of May 2025, you can still take advantage of up to $4,000 off the purchase of a used EV. If you’d rather not listed to me talk, you can skip right to all the BEVs and PHEVs that currently qualify by clicking here.

How the current tax credit works for used EVs

As part of revised terms in the Inflation Reduction Act signed by President Biden, federal tax credits have been extended (for now) and include revamped benefits for used EV purchases. That said, your used EV purchase must fit certain criteria to qualify for a credit up to $4,000. Per the IRS:

Beginning January 1, 2023, if you buy a qualified previously owned electric vehicle (EV) or fuel cell vehicle (FCV) from a licensed dealer for $25,000 or less, you may be eligible for a previously owned clean vehicle tax credit under Internal Revenue Code Section 25E.

Used EVs face terms that offer a credit equal to 30% of the sale price (up to $4,000). That should help consumers like yourselves get some change back in their pockets at the end of the fiscal year, as long as you stick to these terms as outlined by the IRS.

To qualify as a customer, you must:

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  • Be an individual who bought the vehicle for use and not for resale
  • Must be an individual (no businesses)
  • Not be the original owner
  • Not be claimed as a dependent on another person’s tax return
  • Not have claimed another used clean vehicle credit in the 3 years before the EV purchase date
  • Modified adjusted gross income must not exceed $75k for individuals, $112,500 for heads of households, and $150k for joint returns

Additionally, in order for used EV to qualify for federal tax credits, it must:

  • Have a sale price of $25,000 or less
  • Have a model year at least 2 years earlier than the calendar year when you buy it
    • For example, a vehicle purchased in 2023 would need a model year of 2021 or older
  • Not have already been transferred after August 16, 2022, to a qualified buyer
  • Have a gross vehicle weight rating of less than 14,000 pounds
  • Be an eligible FCV or plug-in EV with a battery capacity of least 7 kilowatt hours (kWh)
  • Be for use primarily in the United States
  • Purchased from a certified dealer:
    • For qualified used EVs, the dealer reports required information to you at the time of sale and to the IRS
  • A used vehicle qualifies for tax credit only once in its lifetime
used EV tax credits

These used EVs qualify for credits as of May 2025

It’s important to note that this is not the end-all, be-all list of used EVs that qualify for tax credits in the US. As always, we recommend speaking with a tax professional and EV dealer directly to ensure what you and your new vehicle qualify for. Without further ado, here are the all-electric models that currently qualify:

Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs)

Make/Model/Year(s) Full Tax Credit
AUDI
e-tron (2019, 2021-2023) Up to $4,000
e-tron Sportback (2020-2023) Up to $4,000
BMW
i3 (60Ah) (2017) Up to $4,000
i3 (2014-2021) Up to $4,000
i3s (2018-2021) Up to $4,000
i4 Gran Coupe (2022-2023) Up to $4,000
i7 xDrive60 Sedan (2023) Up to $4,000
iX M60 (2023) Up to $4,000
iX xDrive50 (2022) Up to $4,000
BRIGHTDROP (GM)
Zevo 600 (2023) Up to $4,000
CADILLAC (GM)
LYRIQ (2023) Up to $4,000
CHEVROLET (GM)
Bolt (2017-2021) Up to $4,000
Bolt EV (2022-2023) Up to $4,000
Bolt EUV (2022-2023) Up to $4,000
Spark EV (2014-2016) Up to $4,000
FIAT
500e (2013-2019) Up to $4,000
FORD
E-Transit (2022-2023) Up to $4,000
F-150 Lightning Standard/Extended Range (2022-2023) Up to $4,000
Focus Electric (2012-2018) Up to $4,000
Mustang Mach-E (2021-2023) Up to $4,000
GENESIS
Electrified G80 (2022-2023) Up to $4,000
Electrified GV70 (2023) Up to $4,000
GV60 (2023) Up to $4,000
GMC (GM)
Hummer EV (2022-2023) Up to $4,000
HYUNDAI
IONIQ 5 (2022-2023) Up to $4,000
IONIQ 6 (2023) Up to $4,000
Ioniq BEV (2017-2021) Up to $4,000
Kona EV (2019-2022) Up to $4,000
Kona Electric (2023) Up to $4,000
JAGUAR
I-Pace (2019-2023) Up to $4,000
KIA
EV6 (2022-2023) Up to $4,000
Niro EV (2019-2023) Up to $4,000
Soul EV (2015-2020) Up to $4,000
LUCID MOTORS
Air (all trims) (2022) Up to $4,000
MAZDA
MX-30 (2022-2023) Up to $4,000
MERCEDES-BENZ
B250e (B-Class) (2014-2017) Up to $4,000
EQB SUV (all trims) (2022-2023) Up to $4,000
EQE Sedan (all trims) (2023) Up to $4,000
EQE SUV (all trims) (2023) Up to $4,000
EQS Sedan (all trims) (2022-2023) Up to $4,000
EQS SUV (all trims) (2023) Up to $4,000
MINI
Cooper S E Hardtop (2020-2023) Up to $4,000
MITSUBISHI
i-MiEV (2012-2014, 2016-2017) Up to $4,000
NISSAN
Ariya (all trims) (2023) Up to $4,000
LEAF (all trims) (2011-2023) Up to $4,000
POLESTAR
Polestar 2 (2021-2022) Up to $4,000
PORSCHE
Taycan (all trims) (2020-2023) Up to $4,000
RIVIAN
EDV (2022) Up to $4,000
R1T (2022-2023) Up to $4,000
R1S (2022-2023) Up to $4,000
SMART USA
Cabrio EV (2013-2015, 2017-2018) Up to $4,000
Coupe EV (2013-2018) Up to $4,000
EQ Fortwo Cabrio (2019) Up to $4,000
EQ Fortwo Coupe (2019) Up to $4,000
SUBARU
Solterra (2023) Up to $4,000
TESLA
Cybertruck (2023) Up to $4,000
Model 3 (2017-2023) Up to $4,000
Model S (2012-2023) Up to $4,000
Model X (2016-2023) Up to $4,000
Model Y (2020-2023) Up to $4,000
Roadster (2009-2011) Up to $4,000
TOYOTA
RAV4 EV (2012-2014) Up to $4,000
VOLKSWAGEN
e-Golf (2015-2019) Up to $4,000
ID.4 (all trims) (2021-2023) Up to $4,000
VOLVO
C40 Recharge (2022-2023) Up to $4,000
XC40 Recharge (2021-2023) Up to $4,000
Updated by the IRS as of 1/6/2025
used ev tax credit
The BMW i3

Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs)

Make/Model/Year(s) Full Tax Credit
AUDI
A3 e-tron/ultra (2016-2018) Up to $4,000
A7 55 TFSI e Quattro (2021-2022) Up to $4,000
A8L PHEV (2020) Up to $4,000
A8L 55 TFSI e Quattro (2021) Up to $4,000
A8L 60 TFSI e Quattro (2021) Up to $4,000
Q5 PHEV (2020) Up to $4,000
Q5 55 TFSI e Quattro (2021-2023) Up to $4,000
BENTLEY
Bentayga Hybrid SUV (2020-2021, 2023) Up to $4,000
Flying Spur Hybrid (2023) Up to $4,000
BMW
330e (2016-2018, 2021-2023) Up to $4,000
330e xDrive (2021-2023) Up to $4,000
530e/xDrive (2018-2023) Up to $4,000
740e (2017) Up to $4,000
740e xDrive (2018-209) Up to $4,000
745e xDrive (2020-2022) Up to $4,000
i3 Sedan with Range Extender (2014-2021) Up to $4,000
i3s Sedan with Range Extender (2018-2021) Up to $4,000
i8 (2014-2017) Up to $4,000
i8 Coupe/Roadster (2019-2020) Up to $4,000
X3 xDrive30e (2020-2021) Up to $4,000
X5 xDrive40e (2016-2018) Up to $4,000
X5 xDrive45e (2021-2022) Up to $4,000
XM (2023) Up to $4,000
CADILLAC (GM) Up to $4,000
CT6 (2017-2018) Up to $4,000
ELR (2014-2016) Up to $4,000
CHEVROLET (GM)
Volt (2011-2019) Up to $4,000
CHRYSLER
Pacifica PHEV (2017-2023) Up to $4,000
DODGE
Hornet PHEV (2023) Up to $4,000
FORD
C-Max Energi (2013-2017) Up to $4,000
Escape Plug-In Hybrid (2020-2023) Up to $4,000
Fusion Energi (2013-2020) Up to $4,000
HONDA
Clarity Plug-in Hybrid (2018-2021) Up to $4,000
HYUNDAI
Ioniq PHEV (2018-2022) Up to $4,000
Santa Fe PHEV (2022-2023) Up to $4,000
Sonata PHEV (2016-2019) Up to $4,000
Tucson PHEV (2022-2023) Up to $4,000
JEEP
Grand Cherokee 4xe (2022-2023) Up to $4,000
Wrangler 4xe (2021-2023) Up to $4,000
KIA
Niro PHEV (2018-2023) Up to $4,000
Optima PHEV (2017-2020) Up to $4,000
Sorento PHEV (2022-2023) Up to $4,000
Sportage PHEV (2023) Up to $4,000
LAND ROVER
Range Rover SE PHEV (2023) Up to $4,000
Range Rover Sport Autobiography PHEV (2023) Up to $4,000
LEXUS
NX PHEV (2022) Up to $4,000
LINCOLN
Aviator Grand Touring (2020-2023) Up to $4,000
Corsair Grand Touring (2021-2023) Up to $4,000
MERCEDES-BENZ
GLC350e 4Matic (2018-2019) Up to $4,000
GLC350e 4Matic EQ (2020) Up to $4,000
GLE550e 4Matic (2016-2018) Up to $4,000
S550e PHEV (2015-2017) Up to $4,000
S560e (2019-2020) Up to $4,000
S580 Sedan (2023) Up to $4,000
MINI
Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 (2018-2023) Up to $4,000
MITSUBISHI
Outlander PHEV (2018-2023) Up to $4,000
POLESTAR
Polestar 1 (2020-2021) Up to $4,000
PORSCHE
Cayenne E-Hybrid (all models) (2015-2023) Up to $4,000
Panamera E-Hybrid (all models) (2014-2016, 2018-2021) Up to $4,000
Panamera E-Hybrid (all models) (2022-2023) Up to $4,000
SUBARU
Crosstrek Hybrid (2022) Up to $4,000
Crosstrek Plug-In Hybrid (2019-2021) Up to $4,000
TOYOTA
Prius Prime PHEV (2017-2022) Up to $4,000
RAV4 Prime PHEV (2021-2022) Up to $4,000
VOLVO
S60 (2019-2023) Up to $4,000
S90 (2018-2023) Up to $4,000
V60 (2020-2023) Up to $4,000
XC60 (2018-2023) Up to $4,000
XC90 (2016-2023) Up to $4,000
Updated by the IRS as of 1/6/2025

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Tesla (TSLA) shareholders get excited for ‘Tesla prototype’ that turn out to be a competitor’s

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Tesla (TSLA) shareholders get excited for 'Tesla prototype' that turn out to be a competitor's

Tesla (TSLA) shareholders were getting excited on social media about a “Tesla prototype” that turned out to be a competitor’s prototype vehicle.

A new electric vehicle prototype started showing up on social media, and Tesla shareholders started sharing it, assuming it was a Tesla prototype.

A Tesla shareholder part of the “Rebellionaire” group on X, a group of Tesla stock pumpers, even shared it, claiming that it is “what gets him ultra bullish” on Tesla:

The only problem is that it wasn’t even a Tesla prototype.

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Faraday Future (FF) came out and confirmed that it is a prototype mule of their new ‘Faraday X’:

That’s our testing vehicle, a Faraday X Prototype Mule.

FF is better known for its very high-end FF91, but it is currently developing less expensive next-generation vehicles under its new Faraday X brand.

Tesla shareholders got excited because some are still holding on to the idea that Tesla is going to release new cheaper electric vehicles under new models.

This is due to CEO Elon Musk falsely denying a report that Tesla canceled its cheaper electric vehicles based on its next-gen platform (NV91-92) in favor of the ‘Cybercab’ and stripped-down versions of the Model 3 and Model Y.

Tesla has confirmed all that in their most recent financial results and earnings calls, but some are still holding on to the idea that Tesla plans to release completely new models due to Musk’s comments.

Electrek’s Take

I think part of Tesla’s problems right now are due to its shareholder base not recognizing its problems and blindly believing what Elon Musk says, despite a long history of misleading and plain wrong.

This is a prime example.

Tesla has now confirmed what we have been reporting for a year: the new vehicles are just going to be stripped-down versions of Model 3 and Model Y.

No new models are coming to market other than supposedly the Cybercab, but as long as this is only planned without a steering wheel, it is useless until it can solve unsupervised self-driving, which it has yet to do.

This is a problem that shareholders are either ignoring or don’t believe.

Tesla launched a single new model in the last five years, the Cybertruck, which was a commercial flop.

At some point, shareholders must wake up and realize that Musk is destroying Tesla’s EV business and that self-driving vehicles are not coming to save the day.

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