Tesla continues to dominate the global electric vehicle market, with the Model Y and Model 3 ranking as the #1 and #2 best-selling EVs for September 2025, respectively. CEO Elon Musk highlighted the milestone on X after tech watcher @XFreeze posted global sales data showing Tesla’s pair comfortably at the top of the charts.
According to the data, Tesla sold 140,904 Model Y units and 67,374 Model 3 units worldwide in September. Both vehicles maintained their lead despite being higher-priced, premium models in a segment increasingly crowded by budget-friendly Chinese rivals. The data also included both battery electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids, making the feat even more impressive.
Coming in third globally, the Wuling HongGuang Mini EV sold 54,498 units, continuing its streak as one of the most affordable and popular city EVs in China. In fourth place was the Geely Geometry Xingyuan, moving 50,203 units — a strong showing from Geely’s rapidly growing electric lineup. Rounding out the top five was BYD’s Song/Seal U, which combined sales of 46,148 units across its battery-electric and plug-in hybrid variants.
Beyond the top five, BYD clearly dominated the rest of the leaderboard, accounting for every other spot in the global top ten. Models like the Qin Plus, Seagull, Dolphin, and Yuan Up demonstrate BYD’s wide-ranging EV portfolio — spanning everything from compact city cars to family crossovers — and highlight the Chinese automaker’s increasingly firm grip on the mass-market EV segment.
Tesla’s strong September performance likely benefited from its typical end-of-quarter delivery push, coupled with the expiration of the $7,500 U.S. federal EV tax credit at the end of the month. The incentive drove a late surge in orders and deliveries before the September 30 deadline, which Tesla had confirmed would remain available through that date.
The Model Y’s global appeal continues to set it apart. Beyond topping the global EV charts, it also reclaimed its title as Europe’s best-selling car overall in September, regardless of fuel type. The crossover similarly dominated in Australia, where it became the country’s best-selling passenger vehicle for the month.
China, another critical market for Tesla, also saw a rebound in sales during September — marking the company’s only month of positive growth for the quarter after a slow start.
The Model 3 and Model Y’s staying power comes down to Tesla’s unique value proposition: industry-leading range, constant over-the-air software updates, and access to the company’s rapidly improving Full Self-Driving features. Even years after launch, both vehicles remain benchmarks for performance, safety, and technology in the EV market.
