The results of European sales of electric cars from January to March 2023 are summed up and the TOP5 best-selling EVs are identified.
EV sales are rapidly growing this year, with battery-powered vehicles now accounting for more than 13.4 percent of new car sales in Europe, according to JATO Dynamics.
The Tesla Model Y, as we previously reported, led in the segment, and not only in March but in the first quarter of the year. Tesla sales accounted for 22% of all BEV registrations in the mentioned period.
However, Tesla is not the only dominant force in the electric car market. Here are the five best-selling all-electric models in Europe this year:
5. Dacia Spring
- Price: €22,750 (Germany), €20,800 (France), €20,555 (Spain)
- Battery: 26.8 kWh
- Range: 230 km / 143 mi
- Maximum charge: 30 kW
About the same size as the Volkswagen Up, the Spring is the first 100-percent electric car from Dacia, Renault’s budget brand, and is one of the cheapest EVs in Europe. Dacia released the Spring 5-door 4-seater in March 2020.
This subcompact car is nice for city driving and acceptable for not-too-long journeys on highways. From the outside it looks pretty tough, but inside it’s comfortable and roomy, with plenty of storage niches and a 290-liter cargo space (10.2 cu ft).
The model’s one-star rating in EuroNCAP crash tests may be a problem for some. Overall, it is a simple, practical, and cheap zero-emissions car.
4. Volkswagen ID.4
- Price: £38,845 (UK), €40,335 (Germany), €44,000 (France)
- Battery: 52 kWh – 77 kWh
- Range: 353–525 km / 219-326 mi
- Maximum charge: 125 kW
The VW ID.4 is a crossover variant of the ID.3 hatchback. The automaker developed the ID.4 with an eye on the USA. However, the model has become a popular family car in Europe, as it offers practicality and a decent range at an affordable price.
Buyers can choose between rear or all-wheel drive, two battery options. A sporty ID.4 GTX version is available. The interior is surprisingly spacious with plenty of room in front and rear, and a large luggage compartment of 543 liters (19.2 cu ft).
3. Volkswagen ID.3
- Price: £39,425 (UK), €39,995 (Germany), €42,990 (France)
- Battery: 58 kWh – 77 kWh
- Range: 418–546 km / 260-339 mi
- Maximum charge: 125 kW
The ID.3 is the first model from Volkswagen’s ID family and probably the most important model since the launch of the VW Golf in 1974. This is an all-rounder with refined and balanced handling, ample space for passengers and cargo (385 liters or 13.6 cu ft), and a high-tech cabin (someone may lack physical buttons on the dash).
The refreshed Volkswagen ID.3 with interior and technology updates is on the way.
2. Tesla Model 3
- Price: €41,990 (France), €43,990 (Germany), €45,970 (Belgium)
- Battery: 55 kWh – 77 kWh
- Range: 491–601 km / 305-373 mi
- Maximum charge: 240 kW
With some kind of Tesla-related news happening almost every day, it’s easy to lose sight of the automaker’s main mission – to accelerate the world’s transition to sustainable energy. The vehicle to achieve this is the Tesla Model 3.
Inside the spartan, futuristic interior is a single tablet-like central that keeps all important information and eliminates the need for physical controls. There’s also plenty of technology on board, including Tesla’s Autopilot system. The total cargo volume with 5 passengers is 22.9 cu ft (649 l).
On the road, the car is lively, quiet, and fast. It received 5 Euro NCAP stars in every category, including pedestrian protection. Tesla’s entry-level model combines performance, comfort, and the best value for money in an attractive guise.
1. Tesla Model Y
Price: €44,990 (France), €44,890 (Germany), €47,970 (Belgium)
Battery: 55 kWh – 75 kWh
Range: 455–533 km / 283-331 mi
Maximum charge: 250 kW
When you get into the Tesla Model Y, you’ll find a spacious but minimalistic interior that won’t be to everyone’s taste. Overall it’s a fun-to-drive practical family car with comfortable seating for four adults, 854-liter cargo volume (30.2 cu ft), and an impressive driving range.
The 15-inch touchscreen seamlessly integrates the multimedia system, cameras, navigation, communications, and cabin controls into a single interface, along with Autopilot and an adaptive cruise control system that makes it feel like a smartphone on wheels.
The car impresses on the road: it is fast and gives pleasant emotions thanks to sharp steering. The Model Y is available in three versions: RWD, Long Range AWD, and Performance AWD.
Upper photo: 2024 Volkswagen ID.3
