Global sales of electric and hybrid vehicles stepped up notably in the opening quarter of 2023, with a total of 2.6 million units moved across the world. This represented a healthy 28 percent rise from the same period a year earlier, a trend highlighted by TechGoing based on TrendForce analytics. The momentum reflects growing consumer demand for cleaner powertrains, as manufacturers expand model availability and governments continue to push incentives and regulations that favor electrified mobility. Within the overall figure, pure electric vehicles accounted for 1.9 million deliveries, marking a 26 percent year over year increase, while hybrid cars contributed 711,000 units, up 34 percent from the prior year. This breakdown underscores how multiple segments within the electrified family are expanding in parallel, driven by consumer preference for lower operating costs, improving charging infrastructure, and ongoing advances in battery technology.
Tesla maintained its position as the leading brand in the clean electric vehicle segment, delivering 423,000 cars in the quarter and capturing 21.8 percent of the market. The next spot went to BYD, the Chinese automaker, which accounted for 13.5 percent of sales. In third place, Wuling, another Chinese company, registered a 4.1 percent share. The ranking among the top ten also included Aion at roughly 4 percent, Volkswagen near 3.9 percent, Hyundai at about 3.2 percent, BMW around 2.9 percent, Mercedes-Benz at 2.6 percent, Kia at 2 percent, and Chang’an with roughly 1.9 percent. These results illustrate how competitive the EV field has become across major markets, with traditional automakers and new entrants alike striving to expand their electrified portfolios.
In the hybrid category, BYD led the market with about a 37 percent share, reflecting strong demand for plug-in and conventional hybrids. Li Auto followed in second place with around 7.3 percent, while the top three was rounded out by BMW holding roughly 5.8 percent. Mercedes-Benz remained close behind with about 5.6 percent, and Volvo captured around 5.2 percent. Jeep appeared with approximately 3.8 percent, Kia at about 3 percent, Denza near 2.8 percent, Volkswagen around 2.5 percent, and Toyota joining with roughly 2.5 percent. The distribution shows how hybrid technology continues to appeal in multiple regions, as manufacturers balance efficiency gains with performance and price considerations to broaden appeal.
Historical notes from industry observers indicate that the quarter’s top-selling models and brands reflect a broader strategy of electrification across mainstream segments. Analysts cited by TechGoing, referencing TrendForce data, point to ongoing demand for versatile family vehicles, compact urban models, and premium offerings that emphasize efficiency without compromising driving experience. As fleets and private buyers increasingly prioritize lower total cost of ownership, the landscape is likely to see continued acceleration in both pure electrics and hybrids over the ensuing months. The period also highlights the way established automakers and challengers alike are expanding production, improving battery supply chains, and enhancing after-sales ecosystems to support rapid adoption.