The Most Popular Electric Cars In The World

Electric vehicles are no longer a niche — they’re mainstream, and the marketing pitch has changed with them. A decade ago, brands competed on 0–60 times. Today, the real bragging rights belong to range on a single charge.

Nearly every major automaker now builds EVs, and a wave of ambitious startups has joined the race. AdmiGram.com rounded up the world’s most popular electric models — the ones eco-conscious drivers keep coming back to.

The Most Popular Electric Cars in the World

BYD Han EV

The Han EV made history as the first Chinese-built car to win an iF Design Award. It rides on BYD’s own platform, with MacPherson struts up front and a multi-link setup in the rear. Inside, BYD’s signature rotating 15.6-inch touchscreen anchors the cabin.

The interior is trimmed in leather, with power-adjustable front seats and three-zone climate control. Rear passengers get their own touchscreens built into the armrests. Standard safety tech includes blind-spot monitoring and parking assistance.

XPeng P7

Unveiled at the 2019 Shanghai Auto Show as a direct challenger to the Tesla Model 3, the P7 comes in several trims. The top-spec High Performance version runs an 80.9 kWh battery with active thermal management, so it holds its capacity even in cold weather.

Each wheel is driven independently through second-generation permanent-magnet motors, controlled digitally for efficient power delivery. In 2023, the P7 earned a 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating.

Lexus UX 300e

Debuting in Guangzhou in 2019, the UX 300e was Lexus’s first electric vehicle and the first model built on the brand’s GA-C platform. Its sculpted bodywork isn’t just styling — it’s tuned for aerodynamic efficiency.

Power comes from a permanent-magnet motor, paired with a MacPherson front suspension and independent multi-link rear setup. All four corners get regenerative disc brakes.

BYD Tang

One of China’s best-selling EVs, the Tang seats six, with heated, ventilated, massaging power seats in the second row. The cabin comes with a full driver and passenger safety package, including front airbags.

It runs on a 108.8 kWh lithium iron phosphate (Blade) battery, backed by a heat pump to protect range in cold conditions. Tech highlights include voice control, 5G connectivity, driver-assistance systems, and a heads-up display.

Volkswagen e-Tharu

Built by Volkswagen and SAIC specifically for Chinese buyers, the e-Tharu is a China-market-only electric crossover. (Its combustion-engine sibling, the Tharu, was later restyled and exported to the Americas and Europe as the Volkswagen Taos — a different, gas-powered model, not to be confused with the e-Tharu itself.)

The e-Tharu comes loaded with driver aids: traction control, automatic parking brake, hill-start assist, climate and cruise control, a rear-view camera, heated front seats, mirrors and windshield, cabin air filtration, and an 8-inch display.

Nissan LEAF

The car that arguably started it all for mainstream EVs. Since launching in spring 2010, the Leaf has stuck around thanks to distinctive styling, thoughtful tech, and a cabin built for everyday city driving.

It was the world’s best-selling electric car until Tesla’s Model 3 overtook it in December 2019. Owners consistently praise the roomy cabin, comfortable driver’s seat, generous trunk, and solid build quality — even in base trim.

BMW iX3

First shown at the Beijing Auto Show in 2018, the iX3 takes BMW’s popular X3 and electrifies it rather than starting from scratch — keeping everything drivers already liked about the model.

Built at BMW’s Shenyang plant in China and launched in January 2021, the iX3 pairs premium comfort with a solid suite of modern driver-assistance and safety tech.

Mercedes-Benz EQC 350

A strong contender in its segment, the EQC runs on two asynchronous (induction) electric motors that operate independently for efficient power delivery. Drivers can choose between three levels of regenerative braking: coasting, light recovery, and moderate recovery.

Standard tech includes intelligent adaptive cruise control, which manages speed and following distance automatically, plus a lane-change assistant for added safety.

Tesla Model 3

The best-selling model in Tesla’s lineup — and, according to many reviewers, the best all-around EV on the market. Built in Shanghai (among other Tesla factories worldwide), the Model 3 is offered with either a single rear motor or dual motors on higher trims, with digital controls fine-tuning traction and handling.

Its standout feature is Autopilot, Tesla’s suite of driver-assistance functions that can steer, accelerate, brake, and hold a lane under supervision.

Tesla Model Y

Built to be one of the safest cars in its class, the Model Y combines a low center of gravity with a rigid body structure for strong occupant protection. Like the Model 3, it’s available with a single motor or dual motors, digitally managed for better handling and stability.

The cabin stands out too: raised seats and a low dashboard give the driver a wide, clear view of the road. Inside, a 15-inch touchscreen and premium sound system keep things simple, while a full glass roof adds a sense of openness for every passenger.

image on top: Vlad Tchompalov / Unsplash