In the list of top 10 selling electric cars in the world, it seems to be a tight race between China’s BYD and the US’ Tesla. Despite Tesla having a small portfolio of products when compared to BYD, it has managed to stay on top. India might not see a lot of these cars launching in the local markets anytime soon!
Top 10 Selling Electric Cars in the World
Wuling hongguang mini EV
List Price: US$ 6,000-9,000
Pros
• An affordable EV that focuses on personal mobility
• A well-built hatchback that doesn’t feel cheap
Cons
• Not for people who want to do highway runs. This car is strictly for the city only
• 2-door design means difficult rear seat access. Also, it is a 4-seater, not 5
Battery Capacity: 9.2kWh to 13.8kWh | Range Promised (ARAI): 120km to 170Km | Fast Charge Support: No | Battery Warranty: 8 years or 120,000km | Estimated Battery Replacement Cost: $4,320 | Extended Battery Warranty Option: Yes | Brake Horse Power: 27BHP | Torque: 85Nm | Safety Rating: 5 Star | Availability in India: As MG Comet
Wuling Bingo
List Price: US$ 8,300-12,400
Pros
• Placed at a low price point
• Offers great bettery warrenty
Cons
• The dealerships are less
• Performance is average
Battery Capacity: 17.3kWh to 31.9kWh | Range Promised (ARAI): 203km to 333Km | Fast Charge Support: Yes (90kWh DC upto 80% in 30 minutes) | Battery Warranty: 8 years or 120,000km | Estimated Battery Replacement Cost: $4,730 | Extended Battery Warranty Option: Yes | Brake Horse Power: 40 to 67BHP | Torque: 110 to 150Nm | Safety Rating: Not available | Availability in India: No
BYD Seagull
List Price: US$ 11,400-13,900
Pros
• Compact Car
• Placed at a low price point
• Offers great range in its segment
Cons
• Acceleration is not so quick
• Slow charging in AC chargers
Battery Capacity: 30kWh to 38kWh | Range Promised (ARAI): 305km to 405Km | Fast Charge Support: Yes (90kWh DC upto 80% in 30 Minutes) | Battery Warranty: 6 years or 150,000km | Estimated Battery Replacement Cost: $6,000 | Extended Battery Warranty Option: Yes | Brake Horse Power: 74BHP | Torque: 135Nm | Safety Rating: 5 Star | Availability in India: Launching in 2024
BYD Dolphin
List Price: US$ 16,700-19,600
Pros
• Placed at a low price point
• Offers great performance in its segment
Cons
• The dealerships are less
• Slow charging in AC chargers
Battery Capacity: 30.72kWh to 60.48kWh | Range Promised (ARAI): 340km to 427Km | Fast Charge Support: Yes (90kWh DC upto 80% in 30 minutes) | Battery Warranty: 8 years or 160,000km | Estimated Battery Replacement Cost: $6,000 | Extended Battery Warranty Option: Yes | Brake Horse Power: 94 to 201BHP | Torque: 180 to 310Nm | Safety Rating: 5 Star | Availability in India: May launch in 2024
BYD Qin
List Price: US$ 18,900-25,700
Pros
• Affordable compared to the other cars in the segment
• Fast charging is exceptionally good
• Offers great range
Cons
• Acceleration is not so quick
• Slow charging in AC chargers
Battery Capacity: 47.5kWh to 71.7kWh | Range Promised (ARAI): 400km to 600Km | Fast Charge Support: Yes (90kWh DC upto 80% in 30 minutes) | Battery Warranty: 8 years or 160,000km | Estimated Battery Replacement Cost: $8,000 | Extended Battery Warranty Option: Yes | Brake Horse Power: 136 to 304BHP | Torque: 325Nm | Safety Rating: 5 Star | Availability in India: No
BYD Song
List Price: US$ 27,500
Pros
• Affordable compared to other cars in the segment
• Fast charging is exceptionally good
• Offers great range
Cons
• Acceleration is not so quick
• Slow charging in AC chargers
Battery Capacity: 71.7kWh | Range Promised (ARAI): 505Km | Fast Charge Support: Yes (90kWh DC upto 80% in 30 minutes) | Battery Warranty: 8 years or 160,000km | Estimated Battery Replacement Cost: $8,500 | Extended Battery Warranty Option: Yes | Brake Horse Power: 184BHP | Torque: 280Nm | Safety Rating: 5 Star | Availability in India: No
BYD Atto 3
List Price: US$ 32,350
Pros
• Gives great performance
• Fast charging is exceptionally good
• Offers great range
Cons
• Funky interior design may not be to everyone’s liking
• Expensive! The Atto 3 is premium priced
Battery Capacity: 60.48kWh | Range Promised (ARAI): 521Km | Fast Charge Support: Yes (150kWh DC upto 100% in 35 minutes) | Battery Warranty: 8 years or 160,000km | Estimated Battery Replacement Cost: $12,000 | Extended Battery Warranty Option: Yes | Brake Horse Power: 204BHP | Torque: 310Nm | Safety Rating: 5 Star | Availability in India: Yes
AITO M7
List Price: US$ 35,200 – 53,500
Pros
• Offers many variant with different features
• Has a lot of space and can seat 7 people
Cons
• A little overpriced in its segment
• The company is yet to prove its reliability
Battery Capacity: 40kWh | Range Promised (ARAI): 165km to 195km | Fast Charge Support: No | Battery Warranty: 8 years or 160,000km | Estimated Battery Replacement Cost: $12,000 | Extended Battery Warranty Option: Yes | Brake Horse Power: 123 to 152BHP | Torque: 205Nm | Safety Rating: Not available | Availability in India: No
Tesla Model Y
List Price: US$ 38,260 – 56,990
Pros
• Loads of room with great boot space
• Fast charging is exceptionally good
• Offers great range
Cons
• Overly digital Interior creates confusion in the beginning
• Build quality disappointing in some cases
• Clumsy handling when compared to other Tesla models
Battery Capacity: 56.5kWh to 75kWh | Range Promised (ARAI): 418km to 499Km | Fast Charge Support: Yes (170kWh to 250kWh DC upto 80% in 28 minutes) | Battery Warranty: 8 years or 241,401km | Estimated Battery Replacement Cost: $10,500 to $11,400 | Extended Battery Warranty Option: Yes | Brake Horse Power: 295 to 384BHP | Torque: 493Nm | Safety Rating: 5 Star | Availability in India: May launch in 2024
Tesla Model 3
List Price: US$ 40,630 – 55,000
Pros
• Gives great performance
• Fast charging is exceptionally good
• Offers great range
Cons
• A little expensive
• Not practical for people who are not homeowners with access to cheap charging daily
Battery Capacity: 57.5kWh to 82kWh | Range Promised (ARAI): 438km to 629km | Fast Charge Support: Yes (170kWh to 250kWh DC upto 80% in 30 minutes) | Battery Warranty: 8 years or 241,401km | Estimated Battery Replacement Cost: $14,000 | Extended Battery Warranty Option: Yes | Brake Horse Power: 257 to 430BHP | Torque: 660Nm | Safety Rating: 5 Star | Availability in India: May launch in 2025
