Canada’s Top 10 Best Selling Electric Vehicles
Government incentives combined with a growing public preference for environmentally friendly transportation are driving a rapid evolution of Canada’s electric vehicle market. Federal incentives for zero-emission cars soared in 2023, and Canadians scooped up about 40,000 plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) and nearly 170,000 battery electric vehicles (BEVs).
However, which EV models attract drivers in Canada, given the increasing variety of options? Government subsidies, such as federal and provincial rebates, are a major factor in the adoption of EVs by consumers in Canada. In this blog, we’ve researched the statistics to identify the best-selling EVs and PHEVs that qualified for rebates and dominated the road in 2023.
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Canada’s Top 10 Best Selling Electric Vehicles
Canada’s Top 10 Best Selling Electric Vehicles (2023)
While Tesla remains the most popular EV brand in 2023, a diverse range of best selling electric vehicles captured Canadians’ interest. Today, Canadians have a diverse range of electric and plug-in hybrid options to choose from, and the following list showcases the top 10 best selling electric vehicles in 2023:
Tesla Model 3: With its impressive combination of performance, technology, and range, the Tesla Model 3 holds its position as the best selling electric vehicle in Canada. Canada’s car shoppers continue to favour the Model 3, as Tesla maintains its impressive performance. This elegant sedan has an alluring blend of affordable prices and excellent long-range battery options.
Tesla Model Y: In 2023, the Model Y went on to become a huge success. This mid-size SUV is an appealing choice for families and individuals looking for an upscale EV experience since it blends Tesla’s industry-leading range, cutting-edge driver-assistance technologies, and a roomy cabin. For the past two years in a row, the Tesla Model Y has been the best selling electric vehicle in Canada. The Model Y’s power was further increased when its configurations qualified for government refunds through strategic pricing modifications.
Chevrolet Bolt: Sales of General Motors’ Chevrolet Bolt skyrocketed in 2023, most likely as a result of increased availability following production setbacks in prior years. An all-time favourite, the Chevrolet Bolt EV provides outstanding value for the money. For EV buyers on a tight budget, its extended driving range and reasonable price make it an excellent option. In the class of reasonably priced electric cars, the Bolt is an impressive rival.
Volkswagen ID.4: The ID.4, Volkswagen’s only electric vehicle available in Canada for 2023, earned a strong place on the best selling electric vehicle list. In the expanding field of electric SUVs, the Volkswagen ID.4 has made a name for itself because of its roomy cabin, smooth ride, and innovative technology. The ID.4’s attractiveness increased significantly with a large increase in rebate eligibility over 2022. In the upcoming years, Canadian consumers will have even more alternatives thanks to the addition of new models to the ID collection.
Hyundai Kona Electric: In Hyundai’s electrified collection, the Hyundai Kona Electric is one of the best selling electric vehicles in Canada. The Hyundai Kona Electric presents an alluring blend of driving range, cost, and practicality. Due to its small size, it is perfect for driving in cities and constrained locations. This subcompact SUV provides drivers who care about the environment with a useful and effective choice.
Hyundai Ioniq 5: With its retro-futuristic look and variety of new features, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 immediately won over early adopters. It is an exceptional option due to its roomy cabin, lightning-fast charging capabilities, and distinctive driving dynamics. With its eye-catching appearance and roomy cabin, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 attracted the attention of Canadian drivers. The Ioniq 5 should be understood as a separate model from the previous Ioniq plug-in hybrid and hybrid models.
Toyota bZ4x: Toyota, a reputable brand with a strong track record, joined the EV market with the bZ4X. In addition to providing a recognizable driving experience, this SUV has zero emissions. Sales of Toyota’s conservative entry into the fully electric car market with the bZ4x were reasonable, however, they fell short of some rivals’ accomplishments. Additionally, Toyota continues to sell a lot more PHEVs than bZ4x, which is indicative of the brand’s more cautious approach toward EVs.
Kia Niro EV: The affordable price and practicality of the Kia Niro EV make it stand out. It is an attractive option for families and regular commuters because of its roomy interior, great range, and lengthy warranty. In 2023, sales of the second-generation Kia Niro EV increased as a result of its reputation for economy and ability to provide drivers with a selection of fully electric, PHEV, and hybrid models.
Ford Mustang Mach-E: The Mustang Mach-E brings excitement to the world of electric vehicles by fusing the legendary muscle car legacy of the Mustang with a future-proof electric drivetrain. The performance-focused electric SUV, the Mustang Mach-E, has made a name for itself among drivers looking for an exciting electric driving experience, despite inaccurate assertions that it is a direct descendant of the legendary gasoline-powered Mustang.
Audi Q4 e-tron: The Audi Q4 e-tron, the only premium brand on the best selling electric vehicle list, is a compact SUV that provides a luxurious electric driving experience. The Q4 e-tron, Audi’s entrance into the premium electric SUV market, came in at number 10 on our list of the best selling electric vehicles. Even though it doesn’t have the best sales numbers, the Q4 e-tron is still a strong choice for anybody looking for an excellent electric driving experience.
While the electric vehicle market in Canada is changing quickly right now. Government subsidies are still very important in promoting the widespread adoption of EVs. Several significant trends influencing the Canadian market are reflected in the popularity of these top 10 EVs:
SUV Dominance: In the EV market, Canadians’ passion for SUVs persists. SUVs make up seven of the ten best-selling EVs; they provide the room, practicality, and driving height that many Canadians prefer.
Affordability Drive: Although high-end EVs are still in demand, the rise in popularity of vehicles such as the Chevrolet Bolt EV and the Hyundai Kona Electric underscores the rising need for reasonably priced EVs that are accessible to a broader audience of consumers.
Range Anxiety Mitigation: Some EV buyers continue to be concerned about range anxiety, which is the anxiety of running out of juice before arriving at a charging station. Nonetheless, this worry is being lessened by the growing range that many of these top-selling EVs offer in addition to the development of the infrastructure for charging EVs.
Brand Recognition: Well-known companies like Hyundai, Toyota, and Chevrolet are succeeding in the EV industry by making use of their existing reputation.
Choosing the Right EV for You
Choosing the best EV can be overwhelming because there are so many of them available. When making your choice, take into account the following important factors:
Budget: The cost of EVs varies, with the Chevrolet Bolt EV being one of the economical options and premium vehicles commanding high prices. Decide how much of a starting point you can afford.
Driving Needs: Consider how you will be using your EV. Do you need a spacious SUV for your family, or a smaller car for city driving? Think about your typical daily commute and any regular long-distance trips you might take.
Charging Options: Do you have access to home charging? If not, consider the availability of public charging stations near your home and work.
Features and Range: Prioritize the features that are most important to you, such as range, technology, cargo space, and safety features. Compare the range of different models to ensure it meets your needs.
Test Drives: Once you’ve narrowed down your options, take several EVs for test drives to get a feel for their handling, performance, and comfort.
By carefully considering these factors, you can choose the electric vehicle that perfectly suits your lifestyle and budget.
In conclusion, Canadians now have more incentives than ever to explore going electric, thanks to government incentives, a growing selection of attractive EVs, and continuous technological breakthroughs. Looking ahead, we can expect to see a constant influx of new electric vehicle models from established automakers and innovative companies. Given the government of Canada’s commitment to zero-emission vehicles, rising consumer demand, suggests that electric vehicles are poised to become the mainstream choice for Canadians in the years to come.
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