The Silicon Valley automaker is set to start deliveries of Model 3s in China, the largest market in the world for electric cars
Tesla sold more electric vehicles (EVs) than any other automakers in 2018, according to data firm JATO Dynamics.
The Tesla Model 3 was the best-selling electric car in the world last year, with the Silicon Valley automaker selling about 138,000 Model 3s, it said.
This was followed by the flagship EV of state-owned Chinese automaker BAIC (92,000) and the Nissan Leaf (85,000), The Verge reported.
As per the report, Tesla is starting deliveries of Model 3s in China, the largest market in the world for electric cars. The company recently started delivering Model 3s in Europe for the first time ever.
By extending deliveries of Model 3 to these new markets, Tesla is hoping to increase sales of the car by more than 100,000 in 2019.
Meanwhile, demand for the Model 3 is said to be drying up in the US as Tesla’s cars are no longer eligible for the full $7,500 electric vehicle tax credit, and the company still hasn’t started production of the $35,000 “standard range” version.
Tesla is also reportedly grappling with quality issues and problems with service following its massive ramp-up in Model 3 production and sales.
Tesla’s Model S sedan
Tesla’s Model S sedan secured fifth place on JATO’s list with 48,000 sold last year. Overall, the company sold about 230,000 electric cars last year, far above BAIC’s second-place sales figures of 152,000. Warren Buffett-backed automaker BYD came third with 95,000 EVs sold last year, just ahead of Nissan, which sold 92,000 total electric vehicles.
Tesla also plans to launch the Model Y crossover SUV later this year (potentially in China), with full volume production scheduled for 2020.
