In a surprising turn of events, Tesla‘s Model 3 outperformed the Model Y in Carvana’s electric vehicle (EV) sales for 2023, occupying the top spot. Contrary to what was anticipated, the Model Y was ranked third, with the Nissan LEAF taking second place.
Model Y’s Dominance Challenged
This outcome is unexpected given that the Model Y has been a strong market leader in the United States, often spearheading Tesla’s sales. The smaller and older Model 3, however, claimed the best-seller title on Carvana’s platform, showcasing the enduring appeal of Tesla’s more accessible model.
Diverse Inventory and Growing EV Interest
Although Carvana has not published detailed sales numbers for each model, their rankings indicate that other Tesla models, the S and X, also appeared among the top sellers. Carvana’s Senior Vice President of Inventory, Brian Boyd, emphasized the company’s commitment to aligning their inventory with consumer preferences, especially as EV choices expand and demand increases.
Throughout the year, Carvana offered a selection of 57 different EV brands and models, illustrating a significant growth of 29 percent from the previous year. The sales list also featured a variety of other manufacturers, demonstrating a diverse interest in the expanding EV market.
Carvana’s rankings are intriguing when contrasted with Kelley Blue Book’s data, which showed the Model Y as the dominant EV in the nation, outselling others including the Model 3. Together, the Model Y and Model 3 comprised over half of the total EV sales in the U.S.
Given its larger size and cost-effectiveness, the Model Y has eclipsed the Model 3 in overall desirability, despite the latter’s longstanding popularity. Moreover, interest in EVs is on the rise, with market research indicating that a significant portion of car shoppers are considering electric options for their next purchase.
