Top

Global EV Sales Up 32% YoY in Q1 2023 Driven by Price War

  • One in every seven cars sold during Q1 2023 was an EV.
  • Tesla Model Y becomes the best-selling passenger car model globally for the first time ever.
  • EV sales are expected to reach over 14.5 million units by the end of 2023.

New Delhi, London, San Diego, Buenos Aires, Hong Kong, Beijing, Seoul – June 7, 2023

Global passenger electric vehicle* (EV) sales in Q1 2023 rose 32% YoY, according to the latest research from Counterpoint’s Global Passenger Electric Vehicle Model Sales Tracker. One in every seven cars sold during Q1 2023 was an EV. Battery EVs (BEVs) accounted for 73% of all EV sales during the quarter, while plug-in hybrid EVs (PHEVs) made up the rest.

The US surpassed Germany to become the world’s second-largest EV market in Q1 2023 while China remained the leader. In China, EV sales experienced a remarkable 29% YoY growth, despite a 12% decline in overall sales of passenger vehicles in the country. In the US, EV sales soared over 79% YoY during the quarter. The top 10 automotive groups, encompassing 48 automotive brands, dominated the global EV market in Q1 2023, capturing three-fourths of the total global EV sales.

Commenting on the market dynamics, Research Analyst Abhik Mukherjee said, “Global EV sales were largely driven by China with 56% of total EV sales in Q1 2023 coming from this market. The elimination of the NEV purchase subsidy in China resulted in lower-than-expected EV sales in January 2023. Tesla slashed prices for its models globally in January, following which other automotive brands announced similar cuts for their car models starting in February, which led to an improvement in EV sales. During February and March, almost 40 automakers, including BYD, NIO, Xpeng, Volkswagen, BMW, MercedesBenz, Nissan, Honda and Toyota, reduced their vehicle prices by a couple of hundred dollars to tens of thousands of dollars, which eventually stoked a competitive price war in China. Initially, it was thought that the price war would end soon and that auto OEMs would benefit from increased sales. However, as the price war continues to stretch, several automakers in China have reported reduced earnings and even losses.”

Global passenger EV Sales share Q1 2023

The top 10 EV models accounted for 37% of the total passenger EV sales in Q1 2023. Tesla’s Model Y remained the best-selling model globally followed by Tesla’s Model 3 and BYD’s Song. In Q1 2023, Tesla’s Model Y achieved the notable distinction of becoming the best-selling passenger car model worldwide, surpassing even conventional fuel vehicles.

Global passenger EV Sales model rank Q1 2023

Commenting on the market outlook, Senior Analyst Soumen Mandal said, “Although sales of the traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles remained stable in Q1 2023 compared with that in the year-ago period, the significant growth in EV sales indicates a rapid transition from traditional vehicles to EVs.”

“By the end of 2023, global EV sales are expected to surpass 14.5 million units, according to our forecast. With the implementation of the EV tax credit subsidy in the US, EV sales in the country are projected to significantly increase this year. To meet the eligibility criteria for the tax credit, automotive OEMs are moving to partner with battery suppliers and establish battery manufacturing plants across North America. Consequently, the US is poised to surpass the EU in the race to build EV batteries.”

*Sales refer to wholesale figures, i.e. deliveries from factories by the respective brand/company.

*For EVs, we consider only BEVs and PHEVs. Hybrid EVs and fuel cell vehicles (FCVs) are not included in this study.

The comprehensive and in-depth ‘Global Passenger Electric Vehicle Sales Tracker, Q1 2018-Q1 2023’ is now available for purchase at report.counterpointresearch.com.

Feel free to reach us at press@report.presscat.kr for questions regarding our latest research and insights.

 Background

Counterpoint Technology Market Research is a global research firm specializing in products in the TMT (technology, media and telecom) industry. It services major technology and financial firms with a mix of monthly reports, customized projects and detailed analyses of the mobile and technology markets. Its key analysts are seasoned experts in the high-tech industry.

Analyst Contacts

Abhik Mukherjee

Soumen Mandal

Neil Shah

 Peter Richardson

 

 Counterpoint Research

press@report.presscat.kr

Related Posts

Counterpoint research is a young and fast growing research firm covering analysis of the tech industry. Coverage areas are connected devices, digital consumer goods, software & applications and other adjacent topics. We provide syndicated research reports as well as tailored. Our seminars and workshops for companies and institutions are popular and available on demand. Consulting and customized work on the above topics is provided for high precision projects.

Apple Snack Pack

PREMIUM

Understanding iPhone

Term of Use and Privacy Policy

Counterpoint Technology Market Research Limited

Registration

In order to access Counterpoint Technology Market Research Limited (Company or We hereafter) Web sites, you may be asked to complete a registration form. You are required to provide contact information which is used to enhance the user experience and determine whether you are a paid subscriber or not.
Personal Information When you register on we ask you for personal information. We use this information to provide you with the best advice and highest-quality service as well as with offers that we think are relevant to you. We may also contact you regarding a Web site problem or other customer service-related issues. We do not sell, share or rent personal information about you collected on Company Web sites.

How to unsubscribe and Termination

You may request to terminate your account or unsubscribe to any email subscriptions or mailing lists at any time. In accessing and using this Website, User agrees to comply with all applicable laws and agrees not to take any action that would compromise the security or viability of this Website. The Company may terminate User’s access to this Website at any time for any reason. The terms hereunder regarding Accuracy of Information and Third Party Rights shall survive termination.

Website Content and Copyright

This Website is the property of Counterpoint and is protected by international copyright law and conventions. We grant users the right to access and use the Website, so long as such use is for internal information purposes, and User does not alter, copy, disseminate, redistribute or republish any content or feature of this Website. User acknowledges that access to and use of this Website is subject to these TERMS OF USE and any expanded access or use must be approved in writing by the Company.
– Passwords are for user’s individual use
– Passwords may not be shared with others
– Users may not store documents in shared folders.
– Users may not redistribute documents to non-users unless otherwise stated in their contract terms.

Changes or Updates to the Website

The Company reserves the right to change, update or discontinue any aspect of this Website at any time without notice. Your continued use of the Website after any such change constitutes your agreement to these TERMS OF USE, as modified.
Accuracy of Information: While the information contained on this Website has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, We disclaims all warranties as to the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of such information. User assumes sole responsibility for the use it makes of this Website to achieve his/her intended results.

Third Party Links: This Website may contain links to other third party websites, which are provided as additional resources for the convenience of Users. We do not endorse, sponsor or accept any responsibility for these third party websites, User agrees to direct any concerns relating to these third party websites to the relevant website administrator.

Cookies and Tracking

We may monitor how you use our Web sites. It is used solely for purposes of enabling us to provide you with a personalized Web site experience.
This data may also be used in the aggregate, to identify appropriate product offerings and subscription plans.
Cookies may be set in order to identify you and determine your access privileges. Cookies are simply identifiers. You have the ability to delete cookie files from your hard disk drive.