Published on 30th April 2023
Unlike a conventional vehicle that runs on gasoline, an electric vehicle has a battery and an electric motor instead of a gasoline tank and an internal combustion engine.
The most common models in the electric vehicle industry include:
It takes expertise and experience to manage the EV manufacturing process—from EV battery cell production to the final assembly.
Who makes the world’s best electric cars? Who manufactures state-of-the-art electric cars with customer-friendly features? Where are the global EV makers located?
Find answers to all these in our post on the world’s top electric car manufacturers.
Table of Contents
Global Top 20 Electric Car Companies [2023]
BYD Auto Co., Ltd.
Tesla, Inc.
Volkswagen AG
SAIC-GM-Wuling Automobile
Stellantis N.V.
Hyundai Motor Company
BMW AG
Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Co., Ltd.
Mercedes-Benz
Renault–Nissan–Mitsubishi Alliance
GAC Motor
SAIC Motor Corp., Ltd.
Chery Automobile Co. Ltd.
Polestar
Changan Automobile Co., Ltd.
Dongfeng Motor Corporation
Ford Motor Company
Great Wall Motor
Blackridge Research & Consulting – Global Electric Vehicle Market Report
Wrapping Up
Here are the world’s leading electric vehicle market players (ranking is based on sales):
Founded: 1995
Location: Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
BYD Co., Ltd. (“BYD” is an abbreviation of “Build Your Dreams”) was founded by Chinese chemist Wang Chuanfu and is one of China’s largest privately owned enterprises with several subsidiaries.
Over the years, BYD has evolved into a leading technology company with more than 30 industrial parks across 6 continents and an industry leader in automotives, electronics, renewable energy, and rail transit.
As a globally leading producer of rechargeable batteries, including lithium-ion batteries, NCM batteries, and NiMH batteries, BYD owns the entire supply chain layout—from mineral battery cells to battery packs.
BYD launched the “Blade Battery” to mitigate battery safety concerns in electric vehicles like electric cars. BYD continues to lead in automotive innovation with the e-Platform 3.0 technology and a broad range of IC, hybrid and battery-electric passenger vehicles.
According to BYD, the company has sold “more than 3.3 million new energy vehicles (NEVs) worldwide as of January 2023.”
BYD’s EV range includes:
HAN EV: HAN EV is a cutting-edge combination of performance and safety with a 602 km NEDC (New European Driving Cycle) range, 0-100 km/h acceleration in 3.9 s, and BYD’s Blade Battery.
BYD ATTO 3: BYD ATTO 3 represents speed, energy, and dynamics—a futuristic design-inspired E-SUV with a Born EV Platform, ultra-safe Blade Battery, and a trend-leading appearance.
All-New e6: The All-New e6 is claimed to be “India’s First Premium Electric MPV” equipped with BYD’s Blade Battery and best-in-class features superior driving comfort.
BYD SEAL: BYD SEAL is an electric sedan with a range of up to 700 km and 0-100 km/h acceleration in 3.8 s. The SUV is claimed to be a “Master of Handling” and “Master of Performance” with BYD’s efficient, super-safe CTB (Cell to Body) technology.
Founded: 2003
Location: Austin, Texas, United States
According to Elon Musk, co-founder and CEO of Tesla, Tesla was created to “accelerate the advent of sustainable transport by bringing compelling mass market electric cars to market as soon as possible.” (excerpt from The Mission of Tesla)
Founded as “Tesla Motors” and named after the Serbian-American inventor “Nikola Tesla,” Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is a globally recognized automotive and clean energy company with subsidiaries, including Tesla Automation and Tesla Energy.
It designs and manufactures electric vehicles, battery energy storage systems, solar panels, solar roof tiles, and related products and services.
Starting with solar battery manufacturing in 2015, Tesla grew its foothold in the electric battery business with strategic partnerships involving industry-leading battery manufacturers like CATL and Panasonic.
Compared to other automaker competitors, Tesla has the largest battery production operations in the U.S. With a major new investment to expand its Gigafactory in Sparks (Nevada), the Nevada assembly plant will play a key role in making 4680-cell batteries and electric Semi trucks.
Tesla’s EV range includes:
Model Y: Model Y is fully electric with dual motor all-wheel drive and provides up to 330 miles of estimated range on a single charge. In addition, Tesla charging network has 40,000+ Superchargers worldwide to plug in along the way. Model Y provides maximum versatility and is capable in rain, snow, mud, and off-road, with superior traction control.
Model S: Tesla Model S is one of the world’s all-time best selling plug-in electric passenger cars. The new module and pack thermal architecture of Model S enable faster charging and provide more power in all conditions. According to the company, its Model S “unlocks more range and offers maximum control compared to other vehicles in Tesla’s current lineup.”
Tesla’s other EV models include Model 3 and Model X.
Founded: 1937
Location: Wolfsburg, Germany
Volkswagen AG (also known as the “Volkswagen Group” and “Volkswagen” (VW)) is a multinational automotive manufacturer and a world-leading provider of sustainable mobility, with four major tech platforms—Mechatronics, Software, Battery & Charging, and Mobility Solutions.
The Volkswagen Group comprises ten brands, including:
Volkswagen plans to win global customers over to electric mobility with attractive, affordable EVs. In addition, the Volkswagen Group is committed to launching up to 70 all-electric models by 2030.
The Volkswagen’s ID. series electric vehicle line-up is built on the MEB (Modular Electric-drive Toolkit) platform and includes a family of battery electric cars (such as ID.3, ID.4, ID.5, ID.6, and ID. Buzz) and concept cars (such as ID. AERO, ID. CROZZ, ID. VIZZION, ID. ROOMZZ, and ID. XTREME).
Furthermore, the Volkswagen Group is setting new standards in electric mobility with offerings like the Porsche Taycan series (including the Taycan 4 Cross Turismo and Taycan GTS Sport Turismo) and the Audi electric models (including Audi RS e-tron GT and Audi e-tron Sportback).
Founded: 2002
Location: Liuzhou, China
SAIC-GM-Wuling Automobile (SGMW) is a three-shareholder joint venture (JV) between General Motors (GM), SAIC Motor Corporation Limited, and Liuzhou Wuling Motors Co., Ltd. SGMW has three manufacturing bases and makes commercial and consumer vehicles under the Wuling and Baojun marques, respectively.
In addition to the fuel-powered MPVs, SUVs, and vans, SGMW sells pure electric models based on the GSEV (Global Small Electric Vehicle) architecture in China, including the Air EV, KiWi EV, Mini EV, and Nano EV.
SGMW is one of China’s best-selling EV manufacturers and offers a diverse range of electric cars, with the most recent Wuling Bingo—a fully electric hatchback that is available in two powertrain versions and offers up to 333 km (CLTC (China Light-Duty Vehicle Test Cycle) range).
Founded: 2021
Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Stellantis N.V. (Stellantis) is a leading global automaker formed as a result of a 50/50 merger between the French Groupe PSA (Peugeot Société Anonyme) and the Italian-American conglomerate Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA).
The company’s iconic brands include Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Citroën, Fiat and Maserati. According to a press release, Stellantis plans to meet customer demands by investing more than €30 billion through 2025 for delivering battery electric vehicles (BEVs).
The BEV combination includes four state-of-the-art BEV-centric vehicle platforms—STLA Small, Medium, Large, and Frame—built utilizing three Electric Drive Modules (EDMs).
Furthermore, Stellantis is working toward offering 75+ BEV models and reaching global annual BEV sales (five million units) by 2030 as part of the electrification strategy outlined in its long-term plan “Dare Forward 2030.”
In April 2023, Stellantis launched the all-electric 2025 Ram 1500 REV at the New York International Auto Show to provide customers with “the industry’s best combination of range, towing, payload, and charge time.”
Founded: 1967
Location: Seoul, South Korea
Also known as “Hyundai Motors” and “Hyundai,” Hyundai Motor Company (a subsidiary of the Hyundai Motor Group) is a South Korean automotive manufacturer with a comprehensive vehicle range, including cars, MPVs, SUVs, trucks and buses, and hydrogen-powered vehicles.
Hyundai offers a powerful and versatile range of electrified models, including:
Hyundai Motor Group’s other subsidiary, Kia Motors, also offers an attractive range of hybrid/electric EVs, including the fully electric Kia EV6 and the all-new Kia Niro EV.
Founded: 1916
Location: Munich, Germany
Bayerische Motoren Werke AG (BMW AG or BMW) is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of luxury automobiles and motorcycles. The BMG Group has 31 production locations in 15 countries (as of 2022), a global sales network, and notable subsidiaries, such as Rolls-Royce Motor Cars and MINI.
The BMW electric vehicle portfolio includes:
BMW Electric Cars
BMW electric cars (including small, mid-size, and large SUVs) provide smooth acceleration from a standing start and redefine the joy of electric driving with dynamic performance and the latest tech features.
BMW Plug-in Hybrids
BMW plug-in hybrids provide maximum flexibility and efficiency with the combination of an electric motor and a petrol engine and intelligent energy distribution.
In addition, BMW’s next-generation EVs called “Neue Klasse” will feature new HUDs (Head-up Displays) as early as 2025.
Founded: 1986
Location: Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Co., Ltd. (ZGH is commonly known as “Geely Holding” and “Geely”) is a globally competitive electric mobility technology enterprise and energy service provider with R&D and design centers worldwide.
Geely—one of China’s largest private automakers—was founded by the Chinese billionaire entrepreneur Li Shufu. Apart from a sales and service network across the world, Geely Holding has world-class vehicle and powertrain manufacturing plants in Belgium, China, Malaysia, Sweden, the U.S., and the UK.
While the Chinese carmaker launched the pure battery premium line “Zeekr” in 2021, it unveiled the “Galaxy” electric car brand as part of a push to produce premium EVs. The new line-up of Galaxy’s offerings will include four long-range hybrid EVs (including the L7 SUV and L6 sedan) and three battery EVs.
Geely’s subsidiary—Geely Auto—offers an EV model called “GEOMETRY C” that provides a WLTP (Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicle Test Procedure) range of 460 km and comes with a high-density and large-capacity battery pack, as well as a high-efficiency three-in-one electric drive system.
GEOMETRY C’s brilliant design and multiple intelligent driving assistance systems enable users to enjoy a pleasant driving experience.
Founded: 1926
Location: Stuttgart, Germany
Founded as Daimler-Benz AG (a fusion of two of the world’s most respected automobile companies “Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft” and “Benz & Cie.”), Mercedes-Benz has evolved as a luxury and commercial vehicle automotive brand with a rich legacy of automotive innovation.
The Mercedes-Benz EQ electric vehicle range includes:
Founded: 1999
Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands
The Renault–Nissan–Mitsubishi Alliance (the Renault Group, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., and Mitsubishi Motors Corporation) is the globally leading automotive partnership that supports member-company competitiveness and profitability. The Alliance is now one of the Top 3 OEMs and a well-known EV manufacturer covering customer needs across major automotive markets and geographic regions.
With the focus on pure EVs and intelligent & connected mobility, the Alliance aims to have 35 EVs by 2030 based on five common EV platforms, including:
Additionally, the Renault–Nissan–Mitsubishi Alliance plans to increase commonality between vehicles with a “smart differentiation” system that allows pooling for platforms, powertrains, production plants, and vehicle segments. For instance, a press release stated that “the common platform for the C and D segments will carry five models from three brands of the Alliance.”
Founded: 2008
Location: Guangzhou, China
GAC Motor Co., Ltd. (GAC Motor) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Guangzhou Automobile Group Co., Ltd. (GAC), which is one of the largest automobile manufacturers in China. GAC’s strategic collaborations with the world’s leading automobile brands have played a key role in the rapid development of the Chinese automobile industry.
In 2022, GAC Mitsubishi officially launched the pure electric SUV, AIRTREK, in two versions (Hardcore and Pioneer).
GAC Motor is planning to produce EV batteries to ensure supplies for its rapidly expanding EV range. According to an industry news source, a battery plant in the south China city of Guangzhou will initially produce lithium iron phosphate batteries to be supplied first to GAC’s EV subsidiary (Aion New Energy Vehicle Co.) and other affiliates and later to outside customers.
Founded: 1997
Location: Shanghai, China
Formerly known as Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation, SAIC Motor Corp., Ltd. (SAIC Motor) is described as “the largest carmaker in China.” According to the company, SAIC Motor is “China’s first automobile enterprise to sell one million New Energy Vehicles (NEVs) and the first Chinese carmaker with more than one million overseas volume.”
SAIC Motor’s main businesses include the R&D, production, and sales of commercial and passenger vehicles, with the company now actively engaged in the commercialization of NEVs (such as IM LS7 and Rising F7) and internet connected vehicles (ICVs).
In 2022, SAIC Motor unveiled MG4 Electric—the company’s new EV model based on the intelligent MSP (Modular Scalable Platform) designed solely for all-electric cars.
In 2023, SAIC Motor plans to sell six million vehicles across the world, including 1.5 million NEVs.
Founded: 1997
Location: Wuhu, China
Chery Automobile Co., Ltd. (also known as “Chery” and “Qirui” (a transcription of the company’s Chinese name) is a state-owned automobile manufacturer with 20+ years of independent innovation and established R&D centers in Brazil, China, Germany, and the U.S.
Over the years, Chery has successfully created brands like ARRIZO and TIGGO with cumulative global sales of more than 10 million units.
Chery’s new energy technology embodies:
In 2022, Chery launched a new NEV model, Chery 2022 EQ5, with nearly 100 upgrades in appearance, drive, experience, and intelligence. The 2022 EQ5 is equipped with Chery’s new energy technologies, including three-in-one electric drive system, @ Life technology platform, and @ Pilot L2+automatic assist driving system.
Furthermore, NEVs (including all-electrics and plug-in hybrids) accounted for around 20% of Chery’s total sales in 2022.
Founded: 2017
Location: Gothenburg, Sweden
Polestar was founded by Volvo Cars and Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Co., Ltd. Established as a standalone Swedish premium EV manufacturer, Polestar currently manufactures cars in two facilities in China, with future manufacturing planned in the U.S.
Polestar’s electric vehicle portfolio includes:
Polestar 1
Polestar 1 includes a high-performance petrol engine and three lithium-ion batteries that provide an approximate range of 77 miles on a single charge. In addition, the assembly, installation, finishing, and inspection processes of the Polestar 1 are extremely exacting so much so that only 1,500 of these precision-engineered vehicles have been exclusively produced worldwide.
Polestar 2
Polestar 2 provides a range of up to 654 km and four powertrain options to get more miles out of a charge. The EV works with AC (up to 11 kW) and DC charging points (up to 205 kW). With Google built-in, it is easy to check the battery status and choose a convenient EV charging station along the way.
Polestar 2 is engineered for optimal energy efficiency and equipped with key features like in-car range assistant, Active Safety Domain Master computer, Blind Spot Information System, Driver Alert Control, and more.
Polestar 3
Polestar 3 is built with carefully curated materials and fully integrated technology and exactingly engineered to reduce body roll and ensure a balanced drive. The SUV is equipped with a long-range dual motor powertrain (achieves a range of 610 km) and advanced prevention and protection systems.
In addition, Polestar 3 works with a variety of chargers and comes with Google Maps built-in for intelligent route planning.
Polestar 4
According to a press release, Polestar 4 will be unveiled at the Shanghai Auto Show in 2023. The electric SUV coupé is reported to be the “fastest Polestar production car to date.” Compared to Polestar’s existing cars, Polestar 4 will feature a more aggressive styling, while retaining the brand’s trademark full-width rear LED light bar.
Furthermore, Polestar 4 is based on the Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA)—claimed by Polestar’s parent company Geely—as the “world’s first open-source electric vehicle platform.”
It is expected that Polestar will continue to launch new models over the coming years.
Founded: 1862
Location: Chongqing, China
Changan Automobile Co., Ltd. is China’s oldest automobile maker. Changan’s electric vehicle range includes:
CS15EV400: A pure electric SUV with 55 kW maximum output and 351 km (NEDC (New European Driving Cycle) mileage). While the eye-catching double-color vehicle body gives the vehicle a stylish appearance, the outstanding powertrain system ensures high energy efficiency.
EADO PHEV: A plug-in hybrid electric sedan with 80 kW maximum output and 60 km (NEDC mileage). Apart from the textured interior design, the sedan features several drive modes to meet various driving needs and an energy-recovery braking system for superior energy-saving experience.
EADO EV 460: The energy-saving EV with 100 kW maximum output and 460 km (NEDC mileage). In addition to the butterfly-wing front face that exudes pioneering charm, the EV comes with key features, such as Hill Hold Control (HHC), Electronic Stability Program (ESP), and intelligent tire pressure monitoring for a relaxing and safe driving experience.
Founded: 1969
Location: Wuhan, Hubei, China
Dongfeng Motor Corporation Ltd. (also known as “DFM” and “Dongfeng”) is a prominent automobile manufacturer. As one of China’s largest automobile groups, DFM is an industry leader in manufacturing, marketing, and R&D, with main business areas covering a comprehensive range of auto assemblies, parts, and components, commercial and passenger vehicles, and other automobile-related products and services.
DFM’s commercial vehicles include a full range of the following:
The company’s passenger and high-mobility special off-road vehicles comprise the following:
In addition, DFM produces new energy vehicles, including HEVs, pure electric, and natural gas vehicles. As part of the Shanghai Fuel Cell Vehicle Development Plan, Dongfeng built a fleet of 500 hydrogen fuel cell electric commercial trucks using Ballard fuel cell stack technology.
Furthermore, an industry news source mentions that Honda China and Dongfeng Motor Group will jointly develop hydrogen fuel cells for use in commercial vehicles based on metrics, such as adaptability to the environment, durability under various driving conditions, and fuel economy.
Founded: 1903
Location: Dearborn, Michigan, United States
Founded by Henry Ford, Ford Motor Company (Ford) sells automobiles and commercial vehicles under the Ford brand and luxury cars under the Lincoln luxury brand. Ford is investing USD 22 billion in electrification through 2025 and electrifying its most iconic products as part of the EV strategy.
Ford’s EV line-up includes:
Furthermore, the 2023 F-150 Lightning® electric pickup truck won the prestigious “2023 MotorTrend Truck of the Year” award.
Founded: 1984
Location: Baoding, Hebei, China
Great Wall Motor Co., Ltd. (Great Wall Motor or GWM) is named after the glorious Great Wall of China. The company is one of China’s largest automobile manufacturers and one of the first Chinese car manufacturers to enter overseas markets.
In addition to manufacturing bases in Baoding, Xushui, Tianjin, and Yongchuan in Chongqing, GWM’s global R&D layout covers Asia, Europe, and North America.
Apart from accelerating the industrialization of generic technology in the Intelligent Connected Vehicle (ICV) industry, GWM has strengthened R&D in the development of New Energy Vehicles (NEVs), including:
Other major electric car companies are Hozon Auto and CHJ Automotive (now known as “Li Xiang” and “Li Auto Inc.”).
In addition to the top EV companies listed above, the auto industry is seeing the rise of new players in electric vehicle manufacturing. Globally, innovative electric vehicle technology is enabling the development of electric vehicles with powerful features and completely connected vehicles.
For instance, Rivian Automotive offers a premium EV range designed for everyday driving and adventures and built for maximum on-road and off-road performance.
Taking sustainable mobility further is an American EV manufacturer Lucid Motors whose Lucid Air won the coveted “2022 MotorTrend Car of the Year” award—recognizing the EV’s impressive combination of efficiency, performance, and luxury with EV powertrain technology.
If you want a research-backed and comprehensive analysis of the EV market, Blackridge Research & Consulting’s Global Electric Vehicle Market report is what you need.
The report segments the global EV market based on the following:
Vehicle Type
Powertrain (propulsion system)
Geography
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The growing electric vehicle adoption is a key driver of the increase in EV sales, including electric car sales. Keeping customer demand and brand value in mind, electric vehicle companies have launched a wide range of new EV models.
These models come with a fine blend of aesthetics, cutting-edge features, energy-efficient performance, and the convenience of at-home charging and DC fast charging (at EV charging stations).
EV automakers and suppliers are also increasing their footprints in target markets by localizing electric vehicle production. For example, the Japanese automotive industry leader, Toyota Motor Corporation, has opened a new NEV production line in China.
Driving electric has various benefits, such as more multitasking (doing more while charging an EV), zero tailpipe emissions, state tax incentives (on buying an EV), and utility incentives (on installing a home charger).
For instance, the Consumer Reports-ranked reliable brand Chevrolet (an automobile division of the American manufacturer “General Motors”) represents “living electric” beautifully with its ever-expanding line-up of all-electric vehicles, including the Chevrolet Bolt EV and Bolt EUV.
Additionally, electric vehicle manufacturers are making it easier to own an EV and qualify for tax credits. For example, purchasing a Ford EV or PHEV may qualify a buyer for USD 7,500 in potential federal tax credits.
In addition to passenger cars, EV makers are also focusing on electric versions of traditional commercial vehicles. One such electric vehicle company is Lordstown Motors—an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) of electric light duty vehicles specializing in the commercial fleet market.
Electric vehicles are indispensable for achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions and transitioning to a fully electric future.
Worldwide, electric car companies are accelerating the transition to sustainable mobility driven by electric power and creating a clean future for all.