A tiny hatchback from China became the world's best-selling electric car and hybrid (8 photos)

Tesla is neither a model nor a brand leader.





The most popular model among electric cars and plug-in hybrids (NEVs) in the global market is the miniature Wuling Hongguang Mini EV hatchback, according to CleanTechnica. In October, it set a new sales record and displaced the Tesla Model Y from its leading position. Seven of the most popular brands are of Chinese origin.



Wuling's development, available in a wide variety of variations on the domestic market, sold 61,500 units in October, while the Model Y sold only 53,300 units. The publication attributes the shift to a decline in demand for the electric crossover in the US. The Geely Geome Xingyuan, similar to the Wuling Hongguang Mini EV, is in third place, with 44,200 units sold. It's worth noting that the other vehicles in the top ten are all produced by BYD, with the exception of the Xiaomi YU7, which occupies seventh place.

Wuling Hongguang Mini EV





Another Tesla model, the Model 3, only made it to 14th place on the list, posting its worst performance since July 2022. However, from January to October, it was still the third most popular electric car in the world, behind only its fellow brand, the Model Y, and (again) one of BYD's models.

The top three brands in October were Chinese brands: BYD, Geely, and Wuling, although it is noted that the leading brand has begun to lose momentum. Tesla (4th place), VW (6th place), and BMW (9th place) made the top 10 non-Chinese brands. Analysts point out that this is the first time in many years that Tesla has dropped from the podium, while Wuling sold over 100,000 vehicles in a month for the first time.

Global NEV sales are showing mixed dynamics depending on the region. While the US is seeing a noticeable cooling in demand and market growth is slowing in China, buyers in Europe, India, Turkey, and Latin America are increasingly interested in electrified vehicles. Overall, NEVs accounted for 28% of global sales in October.



Tesla Model Y





Geely Geome Xingyuan (Geely EX2)