The EV upheaval has entered a new milestone as consumers pushed the Tesla Model 3 to become the best-selling car in Europe for the month of September.
Data compiled by Jato Dynamics found that 24,591 units of Tesla Model 3 were registered in September, overhauling popular classics such as Dacia Sandero, Opel/Vauxhall Corsa and the perennial favourite- the Volkswagen Golf. This is the first time that an EV has dominated the monthly sales charts and also the first time that a vehicle manufactured outside of Europe secured the top spot. Tesla sources its Model 3 from China as well as the US.
September has been historically strong for Tesla in Europe, with the month alone accounting for 74% of its third-quarter volume with over 33,000 units. The brand is also looking at an approx. 80% growth in volume compared to the same period last year.
The Tesla Model 3 is also the top-selling EV in Europe, almost tripling the sales of European models like the Volkswagen ID.3, Renault Zoe and Fiat 500. Only one Asian brand is in the top 10- the Kia Niro in sixth.
Meanwhile, the Hyundai Kona electric is in 11th placing, Nissan Leaf in 13th and the MG ZS managing to sneak up into the 20th spot for the month of September.
Looking at the EV market share, Tesla leads with 24% with just the sales of Model 3 and Model Y, overtaking regional favourite Volkswagen by 2%. The Stellantis group consisting of Peugeot, Citroen, DS, Opel and Fiat have 13% market share, ahead of Hyundai-Kia at 11%.
In terms of total sales for the first nine months of 2021, Volkswagen Golf is still the leader with over 176,00 units, surpassing ECOTY-winner Toyota Yaris, the first of the compact cars. Dacia Sandero, Renault Clio and Peugeot 208 then follow with circa 145,000 units each.
