Electric cars are taking over the world. In 2023, more than 14 million electric cars were sold globally, accounting for 18% of total car sales. This is a remarkable increase from just 5% in 2020 and 9% in 2021. Electric cars are better for the environment and offer many benefits for drivers, such as lower maintenance costs, tax incentives, and access to special lanes and parking spots.
But which carmakers are leading the electric revolution? Which brands are offering the most innovative, reliable, and affordable electric vehicles? In this article, we will rank the top 10 electric car makers in the world in 2023 based on their sales volume, market share, and customer satisfaction. We will also look at their latest models and future plans.
10. Hyundai
The South Korean giant is one of the most diversified car makers in the world, offering a range of electric vehicles, from compact hatchbacks to large SUVs. In 2023, Hyundai sold over 400,000 electric cars worldwide, capturing a 2.8% market share. Hyundai's best-selling electric car was the Kona Electric, a subcompact crossover that offers a long range of up to 258 miles (415 km) on a single charge, a spacious interior, and a sleek design. The Hyundai Kona Electric was followed by the Hyundai Ioniq 5, a midsize crossover that debuted in 2021 and features a futuristic look, a large battery pack of up to 77.4 kWh, and a fast charging capability that can replenish 80% of the battery in just 18 minutes. Hyundai also launched the Hyundai Ioniq 6 in 2023, a sedan based on the same platform as the Ioniq 5 but with a more elegant and sporty style.
Hyundai's electric car strategy is based on its dedicated E-GMP platform, which allows for high efficiency, modularity, and scalability. Hyundai plans to launch 23 electric models by 2025, aiming to sell over one million electric cars per year and become one of the world's top three electric car makers.
9. Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi
The French-Japanese alliance is one of the pioneers of electric cars, having launched the first mass-produced electric car, the Nissan Leaf, in 2010. In 2023, the alliance sold over 600,000 electric cars worldwide, securing a market share of 4.2%. The alliance's best-selling electric car was the Renault Zoe, a subcompact hatchback that has been dominating the European market for years. The Zoe offers a range of up to 245 miles (395 km) on a single charge, a stylish exterior with a choice of nine colors, and a smart interior with a 9.3-inch touchscreen and a wireless smartphone charger. The Zoe was followed by the Nissan Leaf, a compact hatchback that has been updated several times since its debut. The Leaf offers a range of up to 226 miles (364 km) on a single charge, a spacious cabin with a digital instrument cluster, and a suite of driver assistance features, such as ProPilot, which can steer, accelerate, and brake the car in certain conditions.
The alliance's electric car lineup also includes the Renault Megane E-Tech, a hatchback that was launched in 2021 and features a sleek design, a large battery pack of 60 kWh, and a fast charging capability that can add 124 miles (200 km) of range in just 30 minutes. The alliance also launched the Nissan Ariya, a midsize crossover that was unveiled in 2020 and hit the market in 2023. The Ariya features a futuristic design, a spacious interior with a dual-screen dashboard, and a range of up to 310 miles (499 km) on a single charge.
The alliance's electric car strategy is to leverage its synergies and economies of scale to offer affordable and attractive electric vehicles for different segments and regions. The alliance plans to launch over 20 electric models by 2025, aiming to sell over two million electric cars per year and achieve a market share of over 10%.
8. BMW
The German luxury brand is one of the most innovative car makers in the world, offering a range of electric vehicles that combine performance, elegance, and sustainability. In 2023, BMW sold over 700,000 electric cars worldwide, reaching a market share of 4.9%. BMW's best-selling electric car was the BMW iX3, a compact SUV that was launched in 2020 and features a refined design, a high-quality interior with leather seats and wood trim, and a range of up to 285 miles (459 km) on a single charge. The iX3 was followed by the BMW i3, a hatchback introduced in 2013 and updated several times since then. The i3 offers a range of up to 200 miles (322 km) on a single charge, a distinctive exterior with carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic body panels, and an eco-friendly interior with recycled materials and natural fibers.
BMW's electric car portfolio also includes the BMW iX, a midsize SUV that was unveiled in 2020 and launched in 2023. The iX features a futuristic design with slim headlights, large kidney grilles, and flush door handles. The iX has a range of up to 373 miles (600 km) on a single charge, a luxurious interior with a curved display and a panoramic roof, and a powerful performance with over 500 horsepower and a 0-60 mph time of less than five seconds. BMW also launched the BMW i4, a sedan that was revealed in 2021 and hit the market in 2023. The i4 features a sporty design with a coupe-like silhouette, a large battery pack of 80 kWh, and a fast charging capability that can add 90 miles (145 km) of range in just 10 minutes.
BMW's electric car vision is to offer premium and sustainable mobility solutions for its customers. BMW plans to launch over 25 electric models by 2025, aiming to sell over one million electric cars per year and achieve a market share of over 10%.
7. SAIC
The Chinese state-owned giant is one of the most dominant car makers in its home market, offering a range of electric vehicles under various brands, such as MG, Roewe, Maxus, and Wuling. In 2023, SAIC sold over one million electric cars worldwide, achieving a market share of 7%. SAIC's best-selling electric car was the Wuling Hongguang Mini EV, a microcar that was launched in 2020 and became an instant hit in China. The Wuling Hongguang Mini EV offers a range of up to 106 miles (170 km) on a single charge, a cute exterior with a choice of eight colors, and a practical interior with four seats and a foldable rear bench. The Mini EV was followed by the MG ZS EV, a compact SUV that was introduced in 2018 and expanded to other markets in Asia and Europe. The ZS EV offers a range of up to 163 miles (262 km) on a single charge, a stylish exterior with LED headlights and a chrome grille, and an advanced interior with an 8-inch touchscreen and an artificial intelligence system.
SAIC's electric car lineup also includes the Roewe Marvel R, a midsize SUV that was launched in 2021 and features a sleek design, a large battery pack of 70 kWh, and a fast charging capability that can add 248 miles (400 km) of range in just 30 minutes. SAIC also launched the Maxus Euniq 5, a minivan that was unveiled in 2020 and hit the market in 2023. The Euniq 5 features a spacious interior with seven seats and a sliding door, a range of up to 236 miles (380 km) on a single charge, and a smart cockpit with a 12.3-inch touchscreen and a voice assistant.
SAIC's electric car strategy is to leverage its scale, technology, and partnerships to offer competitive and diverse electric vehicles for different markets and segments. SAIC plans to launch over 30 electric models by 2025, aiming to sell over two million electric cars per year and achieve a market share of over 10%.
6. General Motors
The American legend is one of the most experienced car makers in the world, offering a range of electric vehicles that cater to different tastes and needs. In 2023, General Motors sold over 1.2 million electric cars worldwide, achieving a market share of 8.4%. General Motors' best-selling electric car was the Chevrolet Bolt EV, a compact hatchback that was launched in 2016 and refreshed in 2021. The Bolt EV offers a range of up to 259 miles (417 km) on a single charge, a simple exterior with a two-tone color scheme, and a functional interior with a 10.2-inch touchscreen and a wireless smartphone charger. The Bolt EV was followed by the Chevrolet Bolt EUV, a subcompact crossover that was introduced in 2021 and features a slightly larger size, a sunroof, and a Super Cruise system that can drive the car autonomously on certain highways.
The Chevrolet Bolt EUV was followed by the Cadillac Lyriq, a midsize SUV that was unveiled in 2020 and launched in 2023. The Lyriq features a luxurious design with LED lighting, a large battery pack of 100 kWh, and a range of up to 300 miles (483 km) on a single charge. General Motors also launched the GMC Hummer EV, an electric version of its iconic truck, in late 2023. The Hummer EV features a rugged design with removable roof panels, a powerful performance with over 1,000 horsepower and a 0-60 mph time of less than three seconds, and a range of up to 350 miles (563 km) on a single charge.
General Motors' electric car strategy is to leverage its heritage, technology, and scale to offer electric vehicles for every segment and customer. General Motors plans to launch over 30 electric models by 2025, aiming to sell over three million electric cars per year and achieve a market share of over 15%. General Motors also aims to become carbon neutral by 2040 and source all its electricity from renewable sources by 2035.