Plug-in electric vehicle sales market share by producer H1 2020

Tesla was ranked as the best-selling electric vehicle manufacturer worldwide after selling between 367,000 and 368,000 units in 2019. Tesla's sales volume translates into a market share of just under 18 percent. Chinese manufacturers BYD, BAIC, and SAIC were among the runners-up.

Plug-in electric vehicles explained

There are two types of plug-in electric vehicles: battery electric vehicles (BEV) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV). Both contain a charging socket and a rechargeable battery that can power the vehicle on its own. However, a PHEV also includes a traditional internal combustion engine, which kicks in should the battery reach a low level. Therefore, a BEV is the only zero-emission vehicle. Manufacturers such as SAIC and BMW produce both, battery electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, but Tesla exclusively builds all-electric vehicles; the American company launched its first battery-powered car in 2008, the Roadster. In 2019, Tesla's model line-up included Model S, Model X, and Model 3 vehicles.