Tesla is the best-known EV maker, but it has some stiff competition. Although Volkswagen is not strictly electric, one of its EVs is surprisingly outselling two Tesla models. Let’s look at how Volkswagen ID.4 sales are stacking up.

Volkswagen ID.4 sales outpaced 2 Tesla models3

Cox Automotive recently shared first-quarter electric vehicle sales numbers, and Volkswagen ID.4 sales are eye-opening. The Volkswagen ID.4 showed a massive increase for Q1 2023.

In the first quarter of 2022, Volkswagen sold 2,755 ID.4 units. But in Q1 2023, it sold 9,758, for 254.2% growth. That’s far greater than two Tesla models.

The Tesla Model S sold fewer vehicles in Q1 2023 than in 2022. This year, it sold 4,849. It experienced a 6.6% drop from the same period in 2022, when the company sold 5,190 Model S EVs.

The Tesla Model X fared better, even though it also saw a decrease. In Q1 2022, it sold 6,488. That dropped by 0.4% in Q1 2023 to 6,465.

However, although the Model S and Model X didn’t perform as well as last year, two other Tesla EVs made up for the deficit. 

The popular Model Y and Model 3 make up most of Tesla’s sales

Tesla saw a 24.6% sales jump from Q1 2022 to Q1 2023. Elon Musk’s EV maker sold 129,743 vehicles in Q1 2022 and 161,630 in Q1 2023.

Cox Automotive says that has a lot to do with Tesla’s price cuts. Demand for these EVs has always existed, but their high prices turned off many consumers. The more affordable Tesla Model Y and Model 3 make up the bulk of these sales.

The Model 3 saw a sales increase of 17.7% from Q1 2022 to Q1 2023. In Q1 2022, the EV maker sold 46,707 Model 3 units. That number jumped to 54,954 in the first quarter of this year. The Model 3 is cheaper than other Tesla cars, with a price range of about $47,000 to $63,000. It provides plenty of value and a rainbow of eye-catching color options. 

Tesla sold 95,362 Model Y units in Q1 2023. That’s an increase of 33.6% over Q1 2022, when the EV maker sold 71,358. In many ways, the Model Y and Volkswagen ID.4 are close competitors because they’re small SUVs that debuted in 2020. Still, the Model Y outsold the ID.4. by a whopping 85,874 units.

2023 Volkswagen ID.4 vs. Tesla Model Y

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 starts at $38,995. It has an EPA-estimated range of 275 miles. Volkswagen says the ID.4 takes about 30 to 36 minutes to fully charge from about 10% to 80% using a public DC fast charger. In addition, VW provides free unlimited 30-minute charging for three years at Electrify America DC fast-charging stations. 

The ID.4 Pro trim’s electric motor produces 295 hp and goes from 0 to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds. It also boasts a long list of advanced driver-assistance systems, such as blind-spot alert, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and rear cross-traffic alert. All-wheel drive is optional.

Tesla reports the latest Model Y has a 330-mile range. It has two electric motors generating 384 hp and can accelerate from 0 to 60 in 4.8 seconds. AWD comes standard, as does blind spot warning. The Model Y’s price range is $49,990 to $56,990. 

In a side-by-side comparison, the Model Y outshines the ID.4. The Tesla has a superior range, more powerful motors, and faster acceleration. The one area where the ID.4 beats the Model Y is MSRP. But both qualify for the full $7,500 federal EV tax credit, helping offset the purchase price.