Tesla Model Y drives global EV market in August
15 October 2024
Nearly 1.5 million electric vehicles (EVs) were registered globally in August, with the Telsa Model Y leading the charge. But which vehicles followed close behind? José Pontes, data director at EV Volumes, examines the data with Autovista24 editor Tom Geggus.
Registrations of electric vehicles (EVs) climbed 19% year on year in August. Broken down, battery-electric vehicle (BEV) deliveries were up 6% compared to August 2023, reaching roughly one million units.
Meanwhile, plug-in hybrid (PHEV) sales jumped 51% to approximately half a million models. This illustrates the influence of the Chinese market, where PHEVs and extended-range electric vehicles (EREVs) are proving popular.
Plug-in vehicles accounted for 22% of all new-car sales in August, with BEVs making up 14% alone. EVs made up 19% of the entire market in the first eight months of 2024, climbing 10 million units. All-electric models made up 12% alone, or 6.3 million units, up 10%.
Tesla enjoys positive August
The Tesla Model Y led the global EV market in August, delivering 99,290 units. Meanwhile, in fourth place, the Tesla Model 3 ended the month with some 44,413 registrations. These models can be expected to see more success, with the Sedan set to enjoy a peak at the end of the quarter.
While Tesla managed to take two leading positions in the month, BYD placed 11 models in the top 20. BYD’s battle plan to combat competing brands and powertrains is paying dividends.
Amid the carmaker’s considerable lineup, the BYD Song came second in August with 65,274 deliveries. It was followed by the BYD Seagull in third with 49,714 registrations. Also known as the Dolphin Mini, it could well take third next year when it enters new export markets.
The BYD Qin L finished sixth. It saw deliveries ramp up to 35,957 units in only its third month on the market. It achieved this without disrupting sales of the fifth-place Qin Plus, which recorded 43,258 registrations.
This left space for the new Seal 06 to jump to seventh with 33,316 registrations. The BYD Destroyer 05 did well, finishing in 11th thanks to 22,870 sales. This means there were four midsize sedans from the Chinese carmaker in the top 11. This tallies to 135,041 units, equating to peak Model Y performance.
Not Tesla or BYD
The best-selling EV not built by Tesla or BYD was the Wuling Mini EV, which surged to ninth with 26,464 units. In 10th, the Li Auto L6 will likely be the most popular non-tesla and non-BYD model across 2024.
With 22,323 deliveries, the Wuling Bingo came 12th, beating the BYD Dolphin. A similar phenomenon occurred in the full-size category. The Aito M9 finished in 16th, overcoming rivals from Li Auto as well as the BYD Han, which came 19th. With a refresh on the way, the flagship sedan can be expected to rebound in the final quarter.
Outside of the top 20, Geely drew attention with its recently introduced Galaxy E5. It recorded 12,227 deliveries in its first full month in the market. With so many models and brands, the OEM needs to cement a best-seller in the top 20.
The Galaxy E5 could be that EV. It already boasts specs capable of competing with the BYD Yuan Plus, also known as the Atto 3. It will be available with two LFP battery options, 50kWh or 60 kWh. An impressive drag coefficient means a consumption of 11.9kWh per 100km. Export plans are already drawn up, with the model expected in Norway, Australia, Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia.
Finally, the Volkswagen (VW) ID.3 failed to secure a top 20 position, recording 12,971 registrations. This meant the only model from a European OEM was the VW ID.4 in 17th.
Top two titles
Between January and August, the Tesla Model Y (725,990 units) and BYD Song (448,493 units) held first and second respectively. Meanwhile, the Tesla Model 3 (321,484 units) gained some ground behind the BYD Qin Plus (327,260 units).
The table appears secure until eighth place, where the BYD Dolphin (137,242 units) surpassed the Aito M7 (133,438 units). The SUV suffered from direct competition from its sibling the Aito M9 (92,929 units), which jumped two places to 16th.
Just ahead of it, the GAC Aion S (98,662 units) reached 15th with 98662 units. The Li Auto L6 joined the table, in 20th with 88,963 deliveries. It can be expected to jump several positions across the remainder of the year.
Currently, there are only four A and B-segment models in the top 20. This is fewer than the five EVs from the E and F segments. This is a strong indication of where the global plug-in market is heading.
