Curious to see which in 2021 what was the world’s bestselling all electric vehicle, I compiled sales data from various sources. Here are the top 12 bestselling Electric vehicles of 2021 based on my research.
RELECT : Top 5 Best Cheap Sports Cars for Teens 2024
#1 Tesla Model Y – 172,700 Units
Taking the top spot was Tesla’s new compact SUV, the Model Y. Though only launched in 2020, it quickly gained steam in 2021 with over 172k deliveries globally. Offering a versatile electric option for families with seating for up to 7, its sporty looks paired with best in class range appealed to many drivers transitioning from gas guzzlers. While carrying a higher price tag than the Model 3, the Y also benefited from pent up demand as Tesla’s lineup expanded. Impressive to see it outpace all other EVs in its first full year!
- Base price: $41,190
- EPA Fuel Economy combined/city/highway: 129/140/119 MPGe (Standard Range RWD)
- EPA Range: 244 miles (Standard Range Plus RWD); 326 miles (Long Range AWD)
#2 Tesla Model 3 – 128,600 Units
Holding its usual runner up position is the company’s affordable and popular Model 3 sedan. Still one of the only mass market long range electric options available under $50k, over 128k units found homes across the world in 2021. Its combination of styling, quick acceleration and supercharging network kept buyers flocking to the platform year after year. No doubt the Model 3 set the benchmark that other automakers are still trying to match in this category.
- Base price: $38,690
- EPA Fuel Economy combined/city/highway: 142/150/133 MPGe (Standard Range Plus RWD)
- EPA Range: 263 miles (Standard Range Plus RWD); 353 miles (Long Range AWD)
#3 Ford Mustang Mach-E – 27,140 Units
Debuting Ford’s first purpose-built EV, the Mustang Mach-E took people by surprise capturing over 27k global sales in its first full year. Bringing the emotional appeal of the Mustang badge to an electric utility vehicle brilliantly fused excitement with practicality. With an estimated 300 miles EPA range and available AWD, it gained traction as a viable alternative for muscle car fans and daily drivers alike wanting something fun with electric practicality. A great start for one of Ford’s volume vehicles going emission free.
- Base price: $43,995
- EPA Fuel Economy combined/city/highway: 100/105/93 MPGe (RWD)
- EPA Range: 230 miles (RWD); 305 miles (California Route 1 RWD)
#4 Chevrolet Bolt EV/EUV – 24,803 Units
While Bolt sales slipped some compared to previous record highs, GM still managed to move close to 25k units of their long range affordable hatchback globally. The Bolt remains one of the only non-Tesla options capable of over 250 miles per charge for under $30k before incentives. Its spacious practicality also attracts buyers simply wanting an econo-friendly commuter without compromises. Upgraded styling and features on the new EUV crossover helped keep interest high as competition intensifies in this affordable long range sector.
- Base price: $37,495
- EPA Fuel Economy combined/city/highway: 118/127/108 MPGe
- EPA Range: 259 miles
#5 Volkswagen ID.4 – 16,742 Units
Europe’s largest automaker made a splash entering the North American EV arena with their new ID.4 compact crossover. Boasting intuitive controls, spacious accommodations and up to 250 miles range, it found favor initially in Europe and later America with over 16k sales worldwide. As Volkswagen’s new EV-focused brand, ID is positioned to benefit greatly from their manufacturing scale and global dealer network to ramp up volumes considerably over time if quality and service hold up. The ID.4 established them as serious EV players.
- Base price: $41,190
- EPA Fuel Economy combined/city/highway: 91/104/89 MPGe
- EPA Range: 260 miles
#6 Nissan Leaf – 14,239 Units
While no longer the top selling, the veteran Leaf still managed to move 14k units demonstrating Nissan’s mainstream approach to EVs has an audience. Its affordable base price tag, city friendly range and available faster charging appealed to budget minded green drivers. Almost a decade of continuous improvement made it a reliable choice, though sales declined as newer longer range options stole some budget focused buyers away. Nissan will need to up the Leaf’s capabilities soon or risk fading further behind.
- Base price: $32,620
- EPA Fuel Economy combined/city/highway: 111/123/99 MPGe (40 kWh)
- EPA Range: 149 miles (40 kWh); 226 miles (62-kWh S)
#7 Audi e-tron – 10,921 Units
As one of the first premium electric SUVs to market, Audi successfully delivered nearly 11k of their moreexpensive e-trons globally. Its high powered drivetrain, luxurious fittings and available ultra-fast chargers fulfilled buyers wants for an emissions-free option without compromising performance or comfort standards. Launching the Sportback variant helped attract a few extra customers as well. While volumes are still dwarfed by smaller competitors, the e-tron established Audi among luxury brands ready to adapt to electric times.
- Base price: $66,995
- EPA Fuel Economy combined/city/highway: 78/78/77 MPGe
- EPA Range: 222 miles; 218 miles (Sportback)
#8 Porsche Taycan – 9,419 Units
The sleek Taycan, Porsche’s first production EV, unsurprisingly attracted sports car aficionados ready to make the switch. Just shy of 9500 found homes in 2021, making the pricey four door one of the top selling luxury EVs that year. Smooth off the line acceleration and head turning looks brought smiles for those able to afford the high five figure investment. Reviews consistently praised it as a true driver’s machine, establishing battery power can absolutely match internal combustion excitement behind the wheel.
- Base price: $81,250
- EPA Fuel Economy combined/city/highway: 79/76/84 MPGe (RWD)
- EPA Range: 200 miles (RWD); 227 miles (4S Perf Battery Plus)
#9 Tesla Model S – 9,100 Units
Though a venerable veteran first launched in 2012, the flagship Model S sedan managed still sold over 9k units in its tenth year demonstrating its enduring appeal. While some competitors have finally eclipsed its EPA range, few can outperform its effortless torque and seamless technology integration driving experience. Tesla also helped bolster sales through ongoing refinements like the Long Range and Plaid powertrain variants. It remains the EV many still benchmark luxury standards against industry wide.
- Base price: $81,190
- EPA Fuel Economy combined/city/highway: 117/121/112 MPGe (Long Range Plus)
- EPA Range: 402 miles (Long Range Plus)
#10 Hyundai Kona Electric- 8,936 Units
Closing out the top ten was Hyundai’s perky little Kona Electric crossover with nearly 9k global sales. Offering up to 258 miles range and quick acceleration from its zippy electric motor, it proved a practical yet affordable commuter option for tight budgets. Standard DC fast charging capabilities also enabled road trips. Hyundai’s strong value and dependability further widened its appeal among first time EV adopters needing a longer range workhorse without breaking the bank. A great blend of function and features resonated broadly.
- Base price: $38,575
- EPA Fuel Economy combined/city/highway: 120/132/108 MPGe
- EPA Range: 258 miles
#11 Tesla Model X – 3,000 Units
Rounding out my list, the unconventionally styled Model X SUV moved just over 3,000 units as the smallest selling Tesla model. Its unique Falcon Wing doors and massive interior spacefilled a specific niche that still attracted some fans. However, higher pricing, lower production availability and newer competition eroded sales some compared to previous years. Tesla optimizing this platform could help rekindle interest going forward.
- Base price: $91,190
- EPA Fuel Economy combined/city/highway: 105/109/101 MPGe (Long Range Plus)
- EPA Range: 371 miles (Long Range Plus)
#12 Hyundai Ioniq Electric – 1,766 Units
Closing the list, Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 sister car, the Ioniq Electric hatchback sold around 1,766 worldwide. While it competes favorably on price and efficiency versus rivals, Hyundai began phasing it out with the more compelling Ioniq 5’s arrival sporting its unique eVNG platform and 800V architecture traits. Those willing to wait got a major upgrade at similar affordability. This normalized the Ioniq Electric’s sales decline in 2021 before discontinuation.
- Base price: $34,250
- EPA Fuel Economy combined/city/highway: 133/145/121 MPGe
- EPA Range: 170 miles
In summary, Tesla mass market vehicles plus established players Ford and Hyundai got the earliest leads in the still nascent global EV race based on 2021 numbers. But stiff competition suggests more upstarts will rise up this year based on promising new introductions from legacy brands now committed to electrification in a big way. Exciting changes lie ahead as this burgeoning sector gains momentum further still.
