Interested in saying good riddance to the gas station? Last week, we featured our top-selling hybrids of 2022. This week, we’re shining a (green, presumably) spotlight on our Top 5 best-selling EVs of 2022. From Tesla to Nissan, there’s something for everybody and budget — so without further ado, let’s get started!
Tesla Model 3: You Know It, You’ve Seen It (& Here’s Why)
Price Point: The Tesla Model 3 has been a game-changer for the EV market. With a starting price of around $32-40,000 for the Standard Range Plus trim on the used market, the Model 3 offers a more affordable option for those interested in purchasing an electric vehicle. Looking for more range and faster acceleration? The Long Range and Performance trims start at around $50-60,000. That kind of customization and price variation helped the Model 3 grab its spot among our best-selling EVs of 2022.
Trims & Features: The Model 3 comes in three trims: Standard Range Plus, Long Range, and Performance. The Standard Range Plus has a range of up to 263 miles on a single charge, while the Long Range can go up to 353 miles. The Performance trim can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.1 seconds, making it a top choice for performance enthusiasts. The Model 3 also features various safety features, including autopilot, collision avoidance, and emergency braking.
If we’re talking comfort and convenience, the Model 3 doesn’t disappoint — a sleek, modern interior features a minimalist design and a 15-inch touchscreen display. Opt-in features include heated front and rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and a premium sound system.
The Breakdown: Model 3’s tend to feature straightforward maintenance, making routine services like tire rotation and brake pad replacement a best practice. Due to the complexity of the EV components, owners will generally want a qualified Tesla dealer to service their vehicles.
Ideal for those seeking an eco-friendly and affordable option, the Tesla Model 3 took a top spot among our best-selling EVs of 2022. Its range, performance, and technology make it a great choice for prospective EV buyers.
Nissan LEAF: At the Corner of Affordability & Reliability
Price Point: The Nissan LEAF has been a front-runner in the electric vehicle market since its debut in 2010. With a starting price of $30,000 or under for the base S trim, the LEAF offers an affordable option for those interested in switching to electric. The SV and SL trims start at around $35,000 and $39,000, respectively, offering more advanced features. Prospective buyers looking for a good starter car can easily find older models in the $10-30,000 range.
Trims & Features: The LEAF comes in three trims: S, SV, and SL. The base S trim has a range of up to 149 miles on a single charge, while the SV and SL trims can go up to 226 miles. The LEAF also features a slew of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, and blind-spot monitoring.
The LEAF delivers a surprisingly spacious, comfortable interior considering its size, featuring a modern design and a 7-inch touchscreen display. Opt-in features include heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a Bose premium audio system.
The Breakdown: Like most EVs, drivers will want to pay attention to their dashboards and visit a qualified service center for their vehicle’s manufacturer (in this case, Nissan) if anything crops up. Otherwise, standard best practices, like rotating your tires consistently, remain.
If you’re looking for a great starter car or an affordable entry into the world of EVs, it’s hard to go wrong with a Nissan LEAF. It may not be the fastest or have the most modern chassis, but it’s hard to deny the LEAF’s price point and general utility.
Best-Selling EVs of 2022: The BMW i3
Price Point: The BMW i3 is a standout in the electric vehicle market, offering a premium driving experience with a starting price of around $45,000 for the base model. The i3s and the i3 range extender models start at around $48,000 and $52,000, respectively, offering more advanced features and a greater range. On the used market, buyers can easily find BMW i3s for $25,000 and under, especially if they’re looking at older models.
Trims & Features: The i3 comes in two trims: the base i3 and the i3s. The base model has a range of up to 153 miles on a single charge, while the i3s has a range of up to 133 miles. Both trims come with standard features such as a 10.25-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay compatibility, and heated front seats.
The i3’s sleek and modern design continues on the interior, with a cabin featuring sustainable materials such as recycled plastics and natural fibers. Opt-in features include a moonroof, adaptive cruise control, and a Harman Kardon premium audio system.
Looking for a new BMW i3? Check out our inventory on carvana.com!
The Breakdown: Tips for the Tesla Model 3 and Nissan LEAF also apply here — take your car to a qualified BMW service center if something goes wrong. Otherwise, keep up with brake pad replacements and tire changes.
The i3 is a great option for drivers who don’t need a ton of space and are looking for an EV with great handling, surprisingly zippy acceleration, and the sleek chassis of a BMW. A modern, commuter-friendly take on the EV, the i3 can easily get you where you want to go (and in style, no less).
Tesla Model Y: Because
Price Point: The Tesla Model Y is a crossover SUV with a starting price of around $53,000 for the Long Range variant and around $63,000 for the Performance variant. The Long Range variant offers an estimated range of up to 326 miles, while the Performance variant offers an estimated range of up to 303 miles. Buyers looking at older Model Ys can find them for under $50,000.
Trims & Features: The Model Y comes in three trims: Standard Range, Long Range, and Performance. The Standard Range (which Tesal stopped producing in 2021) comes equipped with a standard motor and rear-wheel drive. The Long Range and Performance trims take it up a notch with a dual-motor all-wheel drive system, autopilot features, and a 15-inch touchscreen display with integrated navigation and entertainment controls. The Performance trim offers a quicker 0-60 mph time, at around 3.5 seconds, compared to the Long Range trim, which clocks in at around 4.8 seconds.
The Model Y offers a spacious interior with seating for up to seven passengers. The cabin puts premium materials and features front and center, including heated front and rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and a glass roof. The Model Y also features safety technology such as a forward-collision warning system, emergency braking, and a rearview camera.
The Breakdown: Maintenance for the Model Y is relatively low compared to traditional gas-powered SUVs. Like other EVs, Model Ys generally require fewer routine maintenance tasks, such as oil changes and transmission fluid replacements. However, owners should still keep up with tire rotations, brake pads, and coolant flushes.
Perfect for families or drivers who want ample space, luxury, and impressive range, it’s no wonder The Model Y ended up on our list of the best-selling EVs of 2022. With its sleek design and advanced features, we expect the Model Y to remain a popular choice among used car buyers for years to come.
Volkswagen E-Golf: Welcome to the Club
Price Point: The Volkswagen e-Golf is an all-electric version of the popular Volkswagen Golf. Prices for a used e-Golf can range from around $15,000 to $25,000, depending on the model year and condition of the vehicle. That price point makes it a great entry-level EV.
Trims & Features: The e-Golf comes in one trim level, the SE hatchback, with standard features that include automatic headlights, heated front seats, and a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The 2019 and 2020 models also feature a larger 8-inch touchscreen and additional safety features, such as forward collision warning and blind-spot monitoring.
The e-Golf’s electric powertrain provides a smooth and quiet ride, making it ideal for city driving. The vehicle has an EPA-estimated range of up to 125 miles on a single charge and can be charged at home or at public charging stations.
The Breakdown: You know it, you’ve heard it before… that’s right, take your e-golf to a VW-qualified service center for any major problems. Otherwise, just keep up with basic maintenance, and you should be set.
Volkswagen discontinued production of the e-Golf back in 2020 to make room for other EVs, but that doesn’t mean buyers should write it off. With surprisingly zippy handling, a practical interior, and 125 miles of range, the e-Golf is an excellent daily commuter at an almost unbeatable price point.
There you have it — our best-selling EVs of 2022. Stay tuned — next week, we tackle our top-selling hybrids!
Disclaimer: Price points listed in this article reflect industry averages at the date of publication, and may not accurately reflect current prices. Please refer to the embedded carousels or visit carvana.com to see current prices.
