The Electric Car Brands Climbing Fast in Sales and Searches
A recent study by Slot.Day analyzed the most popular EV brands to identify the best alternatives to Tesla. The research compared brands across key metrics, including world sales, Google searches, price range, safety ranking, and electric driving range. The data was sourced from open reports, including ANCAP and Statista. The final score was calculated based on key metrics.
Here is a summary of the findings:
| Brand | Searches | EV sales worldwide | EV pricing, low end | Pricing, high end | Average Safety (scale 1-5) | Adult occupant protection, | Electric Range | Score |
| BYD | 619,760 | 2,607,970 | $13,900 | $65,830 | 5 | 87.6% | 445 km | 99.1 |
| SAIC Maxus | 194,440 | 175,985 | $4,460 | $20,500 | 5 | 92% | 365 km | 84.6 |
| Changan | 48,750 | 166,685 | $16,400 | $41,300 | 5 | 95% | 450 km | 84.4 |
| Wuling | 10,350 | 371,386 | $6,400 | $21,000 | 5 | 82.3% | 300 km | 81.3 |
| Aion | 23,360 | 264,320 | $17,800 | $29,000 | 4.6 | 83% | 520 km | 80.5 |
| Geely | 7,460 | 303,936 | $10,000 | $80,000 | 3.5 | – | 410 km | 80.3 |
| Leapmotor | 2,880 | 170,467 | $10,000 | $22,800 | 5 | 89% | 300 km | 80 |
| Volkswagen Group | 1,681,520 | 318,255 | $21,000 | $71,100 | 5 | 91.7% | 445 km | 79.9 |
| Nio | 22,500 | 149,172 | $20,400 | $140,000 | 5 | 93.2% | 450 km | 78.8 |
| Hyundai | 867,510 | 183,791 | $22,600 | $54,400 | 5 | 92.5% | 400 km | 76.9 |
You can access the full research here.
BYD ranks first among global EV alternatives to Tesla, combining high visibility, strong safety ratings, and exceptional unit sales. The brand recorded over 2.6 million EV sales worldwide and more than 619K monthly searches, reflecting both market reach and consumer curiosity. With a balanced price spectrum from $13,900 to $65,830 and an average electric range of 445 km, BYD’s position is supported by consistent safety test performance and the popularity of its BYD Song model.
SAIC Maxus ranks second with a score of 84.6, led by an industry-low entry price of $4,460 and a top-tier ANCAP rating. The Maxus Euniq 6 contributes to its profile, backed by 175,985 EV sales and a 365 km average range. The brand also delivers strong protection scores with 92% for adult occupants and 87% for children, highlighting its focus on affordable safety.
Changan ranks third with a score of 84.4, propelled by a high 95% adult occupant protection rating and a competitive 450 km electric range. Though not ANCAP-tested, Changan maintains credibility through strong performance in protection metrics and balanced pricing from $16,400 to $41,300. Its flagship Deepal SL03 has gained attention for delivering long range in the mid-price segment.
Wuling ranks fourth with a score of 81.3, reflecting impressive unit sales of 371,386 and pricing starting at just $6,400. Despite a shorter 300 km range, the Wuling Hongguang Mini EV remains a dominant force in urban markets. Although safety data is partially reported, the brand holds a 5-star average rating on available tests.
Aion takes fifth place with a score of 80.5, anchored by the longest average electric range at 520 km. Its pricing structure from $17,800 to $29,000 keeps it accessible, and while full ANCAP testing data is not available, the brand maintains a strong 4.6 out of 5 safety average. The GAC Aion S is its most prominent model.
Geely places sixth with a score of 80.3, showing strength in sales volume (303,936 units) and pricing flexibility from $10,000 to $80,000. Safety results are more mixed, with an average rating of 3.5 and no detailed occupant protection breakdowns reported. Its 410 km range keeps it competitive in terms of travel distance per charge.
Leapmotor comes in seventh with a score of 80, with 5-star safety scores and adult and child protection levels at 89% and 85%, respectively. With pricing starting at $10,000 and maxing out under $23,000, the Leapmotor T03 targets budget-conscious buyers. Its 300-km range is modest but adequate for daily urban use.
Volkswagen Group is eighth with a score of 79.9, leading in monthly searches at over 1.6 million. Its relatively high pricing—ranging from $21,000 to $71,100—and a sales figure of 318,255 EVs temper its overall ranking. The ID.4 model performs well in safety and range (445 km), maintaining the brand’s reputation for consistency.
Nio ranks ninth with a score of 78.8, with standout safety scores, including 93.2% for adult protection and 85.5% for child protection. It caters to premium buyers, offering vehicles between $20,400 and $140,000. Its 450 km range and build quality help offset lower volume sales of 149,172 EVs.
Hyundai rounds out the top ten with a score of 76.9, balancing high brand visibility (867,510 searches per month) with strong safety scores—92.5% for adults and 86.5% for children. Though it sold fewer EVs (183,791 units) compared to some rivals, its Ioniq 6 model and a solid 400 km range maintain its position among the top alternatives to Tesla.
A spokesperson from Slot.Day commented on the study: “Electric vehicle shoppers today are showing a clear shift in priorities. What once revolved around brand recognition is now driven by a mix of everyday considerations—price, range, safety, and availability. The data points to a maturing market where buyers are more willing to explore newer names and lesser-known models if the value is clear. It’s no longer just about who made the car, but what it offers in real terms.”
