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Since its introduction in 2020, the Tesla Model Y has quickly established itself as the go-to vehicle for electric enthusiasts. The Model Y has proven popular with those seeking a long-range vehicle boasting more space for both luggage and passengers.

Much has been said of the Tesla Y’s declining sales figures for the final quarter of 2024 and the fact that there was a substantial drop from 2023 sales. Those in the know, however, point to the fact that customers are no-doubt holding onto their cash and awaiting the release of the facelifted model, due out this year.

Whether this is true or not, the fact remains that the Tesla Y continues to dominate the electric market, with no one coming close to matching it. The 372,613 models sold represent a 28.6 percent share of the market – for one car alone. Offer that to any other vehicle manufacturer in any segment, and they’d jump at it. Such is Tesla’s dominance in the electric market, that the second best-selling vehicle behind the Model Y is… another Tesla.

We take a look at some of the competition, if you can call it that. While many manufacturers didn’t have the sales figures they were hoping for, experts predict that one out of every four vehicles sold this year – whether hybrid or purely EV – will be electrified in some way.

2024 Tesla Model Y

Base MSRP

$42,990

Engine

Electric

Horsepower

295-455 hp

Torque

309-487 lb-ft

Transmission

1-speed direct drive

Drivetrain

Rear wheel drive

0-60 MPH

3.5-6.6 seconds

Top Speed

155 mph

Towing Capacity

3,500 lbs.

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10 XC40 Recharge

23,966 US sales

There’s a bit of guesswork here because at the time of writing, Volvo’s figures were only available up until the end of November. Still, Volvo’s superb reputation for safety and comfort makes it worthy of a place on any list.

The 2024 XC40 Recharge, while on the small side, is nevertheless a good-looking vehicle with decent specs. A great design strategy means that the copious high-tech features are cleverly integrated into the dashboard, leaving plenty of room for passengers and cargo. Alas, when it comes to touchscreen size, there’s a sweet spot – not too big, not too small, with Volvo erring towards the latter with a mere nine-inch display.

The Core trim we mention here uses a single electric motor powering the rear axle. It allows for the most driving range, claimed to be 293 miles.

9 Rivian R1S SUV

26,934 US sales

Despite a parts shortage that no-doubt hampered sales figures in previous years, Rivian continued to build on its reputation and sold a total of 14,000 of its Rivian R1S (SUV) and R1T (Truck) models in the fourth quarter alone. That led to its 23 percent improvement from the previous year when it finished seventh on the sales chart.

The brand will likely continue on an upward trajectory now that it has joined forces with Volkswagen.

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8 Cadillac Lyriq

28,402 US sales

If it’s growth you’re looking for, look no further than the Cadillac Lyriq. With sales up 210 percent from last year, when it didn’t even feature in the top 10, it’s no wonder General Motors had such a great year.

Cadillac’s first attempt at a fully electric midsize SUV is ample proof that the American is back in the game, ready to mix it with the other automakers. The Lyriq brings together the futuristic elements of many current electric cars – just look at it – while remaining somewhat ‘rugged’. However, while it may be ready for the dirt, that doesn’t mean it compromises on comfort with a spacious and stylish interior.

Competitively priced, it’s cheaper than the Tesla Model Y, but boasts higher levels of luxury.

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7 Chevrolet Equinox EV

28,874 US sales

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV is a wide departure from the Equinox of old. Like the gas models, the new electric model offers plenty of comfort, safety and practicality. The Chevy was the poster boy for General Motors, with sales of close to 29,000, with more than 60 percent of those in the final quarter.

Pricing varies from $33,600 for the entry-level 1LT (excluding the $1,395 destination freight charge and $7,500 federal tax credit) to the top-of-the-line 3RS starting at $45,400. Fully loaded versions will take you past $50,000.

The thing we really liked when we reviewed the Equinox last year was that Chevrolet offered serious tech features as standard across the 2024 Equinox EV lineup, which we thought was worthy of a round of applause. Every option boasts a 17.7-inch infotainment touchscreen and an 11-inch driver information display.

6 Honda Prologue

33,017 US sales

Honda only began deliveries of the Prologue in March but a strong end to the year in which they sold 6,800 units in November and nearly 8,000 in December saw the vehicle climb the sales list. The fact that the Prologue’s November sales were bettered only by Tesla’s Model Y and Model 3 indicates that this is a vehicle to watch out for in 2025.

There wasn’t a lot expected of Honda when it released the Prologue, but it just goes to show how auto lovers are lured in by a brand name they know, particularly one they can trust.

With 150-kW fast charging and a range of 300 miles (nearly, in its most efficient trim), the Prologue is, dare we say it, a bit basic. But as far as customers are concerned, it’s a Honda, so who cares?

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5 F-150 Lightning

33,510 US sales

In a segment where many pickup drivers view anything with the word “electric” in it with natural suspicion, the F-150 Lightning ticks some of the most important boxes, notably performance and efficiency. The fact that it is quite a decent-looking vehicle doesn’t hurt either.

Two electric motors – one up front and one behind – provide the truck with four-wheel drive capability and can get you from 0-to-60 in an impressive four seconds. Add to that a 320-mile range and it’s hard not to be impressed. Just don’t use it for towing.

However, with all silver linings comes the cloud and, in this case, the cloud is the price. The base model starts at just under $63k MSRP, although some customers may be eligible for up to $7,500 in tax credits.

4 Tesla Cybertruck

38,965 US sales

We didn’t ever get the hoverboards and space-age inventions we were “promised” in the Michael J. Fox movie series Back To The Future, but if you were going to feature a car today that looks like it came straight from the year 2075, the Tesla Cybertruck would be the closest thing.

The imposing, futuristic look, while not traditionally “beautiful”, still attracts consumers, as plenty flocked to own their own slice of tomorrow. Armor glass, LED light strips, straight lines and with dent and corrosion resistance, we’re told the steel finish helps to save on paint-job costs, but it also helps to intimidate other road users.

Tesla tried to reach the 500-mile range mark on one charge but ultimately fell short. Still, the 340 miles that AWD models can attain, or 470 miles with the optional range extender, is nothing to turn your nose up at. The Cybertruck will be able to charge at a Tesla Supercharger station, adding around 130 miles of range in 15 minutes for the Cyberbeast and 136 miles per 15 minutes on the regular AWD.

So far, only the AWD and Cyberbeast trims have gone on sale. We expect these sales figures to jump once the RWD model is introduced.

3 Ioniq 5

44,400 US sales

Sliding center console? Check. Large dual screens? Check. A price to rival everyone? Check. The Hyundai Ioniq 5 certainly isn’t the flashiest vehicle on this list, but what it lacks in raw pace and acceleration it makes up for in other areas. Climbing up from its sixth place on the chart last year, the Ioniq 5’s sales improved 31 percent, showing that customers value bang for their buck.

All told, Hyudai Motor Group – which runs Hyundai, Kia and Genesis – sold well over 100,000 vehicles for the first time last year. The introduction of the groundbreaking Ioniq 5 N also helped bolster these sales figures, even if a customer simply purchased a normal Ioniq hoping to get into an N one day.

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2 Ford Mustang Mach E

51,745 US sales

Now the top-selling Mustang model of any kind, the Ford Mustang Mach E, is positioning itself as the top challenger to Tesla.

At just $40k, the 2024 model is an affordable choice for an electric SUV. For the Premium, expect to pay around $44k. That’s probably your best bet as it’s better equipped than the Select and a lot cheaper than the GT. The Premium gets you both AWD and the extended-range battery, helping you attain the full 320-mile range.

It also appeals to the “less is more” crowd, with fewer buttons than its competitors. Its large touchscreen lets you do most of what you need to do with ease, while the buttons that remain are seamlessly integrated into the steering wheel and door panels.

The Mach E climbed one place from last year as its sales increased by 27 percent.

1 Tesla Model 3

189,903 US sales

While some may paint the Tesla situation as doom and gloom – a 5.6 percent drop in market share after all – that is completely understandable when you consider that, after the start they had, the only way for the company to go was down. Nevertheless, Tesla still owns nearly half of the market, meaning that nearly one out of every two EVs sold has their badge on it.

The 2024 Model 3 maintained firm control of second place on the sales list, making up 14.6 percent of US EV sales last year, half that of its dominant Tesla sibling.

A new look in 2024 with new head- and taillights, improved range of up to 360 miles, and up to 24 cubes of cargo space made the Model 3 a hit with buyers. The Model 3 Highland is an exceptional car, and the Model 3 Performance might just be the performance bargain of the decade.

Sources:
InsideEVS
,
Electrek