Tesla Model Y beats Model 3 in April global EV sales

The Tesla Model Y crossover has overtaken the Model 3 in April’s global EV sales figures.

The Model Y is expected in New Zealand and Australia either late this year or early in 2022, deliveries mainly coming from Tesla’s Shanghai factory.

April figures show the Model Y had 16,232 registrations, according to EV Sales, while 14,980 Model 3s sold that month.

However, the Model 3 led the top 20 list of EVs and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) on year-to-date (YTD) registrations with 141,696 compared with 72,296 for the Model Y.

The mainly China sold Wuling HongGuang Mini EV topped the April list with 29,251 registrations and it was second in YTD standings on 125,925.

The EV Sales blog suggests other China-made brands like BYD will move up the rankings.

Meanwhile, April was the fourth best month in the history of electrification with about 392,000 EVs registered globally, Teslarati reports.

It adds Model Y deliveries began in March 2020 and that it has gained popularity since “thanks to its trendy body style and impressive performance specifications”.

“Combine this with affordability, and the Model Y is one of the most appealing automobiles on the market today.”

Tesla chief executive Elon Musk reckons the Model Y will be the best-selling car in 2022, while Tesla remains the most popular EV maker.