When Tesla introduced its Model S in 2012 and made 100 percent battery power a genuine alternative to the Internal Combustion Engine (ICE), the Elon Musk-owned carmaker had a monopoly on the electric vehicle (EV) segment for the best part of half a decade thanks to its unbeaten battery architecture and infrastructure. Yet times have changed since 2015. Despite a midlife refresh for the Model S and Model 3 in 2021 and 2023 respectively, the former is over a decade old and the latter is in its seventh year. Let's not forget the Tesla Model X, Model Y, and the Cybertruck either, with the latter being the latest Tesla launch.

In 2024, legacy and startup carmakers have massively closed the gap to Tesla, and even superseded the brand in what they can offer in terms of design, range, and battery tech. If you're in the market for an EV but don't want a Tesla for whatever reason, the following brands are more than capable - if not besting - one of the most significant manufacturers in recent history. This, then, is a look into a world beyond Tesla.

To give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources.

1 BYD

The Automaker That Sold More EVs Than Tesla In 2023

BYD Auto is the automotive sub-branch of the Chinese manufacturing company, BYD. Founded in 2003, the company switched its attention to EVs in 2020 and has gone on to outsell Tesla - in 2023, the Chinese carmaker sold 3,012,070 globally to Tesla’s 1,808,652. In December 2023, BYD shifted 320,928 units to Tesla’s 195,265. BYD’s range of cars includes the Atto crossover (one of Australia’s bestsellers), the Seal four-door coupé, the E-Class rivaling Han, and the full-size Tang SUV.

The Seal, the Han, and the Tang all have a range of over 300 kilometers, with the latter packing a 108.8 kilowatt battery. BYD has pioneered its unique ‘Blade Battery' incorporated into the car’s construction. Capable of 5,000 charge cycles, the Blade Battery’s rectangular form allows BYD’s cars to be lower than their rivals and returns a drag coefficient of up to 0.21 Cd. BYD has been slapped with U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports. Therefore, its cars are not sold in the United States - all fuel figures are based on the WTPL cycle and have been taken from the manufacturer’s European website.

BYD Fast Facts

• China's Biggest EVmaker.
• Outsold Tesla Throughout 2023.
• BYD Sells Cars Across Europe, Southeast Asia, And Latin/South America, But Is Exempt From The U.S. EV Market.
• Models Range From Small Dolphin Hatchback To Full-Size SUV Tang.

2 BMW

The Legacy Carmaker To Watch Out For In The EV Segment

In 2012, BMW became the first legacy carmaker to go all-in on modern electrification with its i3; a small, over-engineered hatchback that was built around a bespoke semi-carbon fiber chassis and ran at a sales loss until it was discontinued in 2022. Despite its quirks, the i3 showed that BMW could do electrification properly. Since 2021, BMW has added the i4, the i5, the i7, and its flagship EV, the iX to its all-electric line-up.

While the electric motors and larger batteries have naturally added weight to electrified versions of the 4, 5, and 7 Series (the iX is a standalone model), all retain BMW’s traditionally engaging drive. In 2025, BMW has announced that it will launch a new range of dedicated ‘Neue Klasse’ EVs.

BMW Fast Facts

• Among The First Legacy Carmakers To Embrace Electrification.
• Plenty Of Choice In The Current BMW EV Line-Up.
• Electrified 'M' Models Already Here With More On The Way.

3 GAC AION

Grew by 78-percent In 2023

Another Chinese EV maker, GAC was created in 2017 as an EV-making subsidiary of Chinese automotive giant, GAC. In 2023, the company grew by 78 percent year-on-year thanks to the sales successes of its AION S sedan, and AION Y crossover. By the end of the year, it was the third-biggest-selling dedicated EV maker globally behind Tesla and BYD after having sold 484,000 cars in markets in China, Southeast Asia, and Mexico.

Like compatriots BYD and Xiaomi, GAC AION prides itself on its batteries - the graphene battery in its AION V SUV can charge from 0 to 80 percent in just eight minutes. The Guangzhou-based manufacturer introduced its ‘Hyper’ premium sub-brand in 2023, and released its AION Hyper SSR hypercar, packing a Rimac Nevera-rivaling 1,208 horsepower. GAC AION also produces Hycan cars in a joint venture with fellow Chinese carmaker, Nio.

GAC Aion Fast Facts

• Another Top-Three EVmaker From China.
• Already Partnering With Nio On Hycan Brand.
• Massively Versatile Line-Up Including Four Sedans, A Hypercar, And Three SUVs.

4 Volkswagen

Responsible For 'Electrifying America'

After its involvement with the $25 billion Dieselgate scandal, Volkswagen fully committed to an all-electric future to clear its name. VW launched a range of dedicated ID. EVs in 2019 with the ID.3 hatchback. In 2020 and 2021 respectively, the ID.4, ID.5, and ID.6 crossovers joined the ranks, while the ID. Buzz minivan and ID.7 sedan/wagon became part of the family in 2022 and 2024.

Despite early teething problems regarding software, the ID. range has been a success for Volkswagen. The ID.3 and ID.4 ranked among the Top 20 selling EVs in 2023. The ID. range is set to be bolstered by many new models by 2030, including the small ID. Life hatchback, and the Golf-sized ID.2. In 2016, Volkswagen established a subsidiary, the 'Electrify America’ charging network, as the German carmaker sought to rebuild its reputation for integrity and innovation in the post-Dieselgate era.

Volkswagen Fast Facts

• ID.4 Made At VW's Chattanooga Factory.
• VW Aiming To Be Fully Electric By 2030.
• Has Tie-Ups With SAIC and FAW Brands To Build Cars In China.

5 Mercedes-Benz

Redefining 'Affordable' Luxury For The EV World

Mercedes-Benz launched its dedicated range of EQ-branded EVs in 2018, and its two standout models are the EQE and the EQS, electrified alternatives to E-Class and S-Class. While both cars’ looks may not be to everyone’s liking, their design has been driven with aerodynamic efficiency in mind to maximize range.

Inside, the EQE and EQS indicate where Mercedes wants to position itself in terms of technology, thanks to the 56-inch Hyperscreen in the latter car being a case in point. Mercedes plans to drop EQ branding from its line-up as a way of incorporating electric vehicles into its mainstream, and vehicles part of this plan include a new all-electric G-Class, a new EQC EV, and an Audi e-tron GT-rivalling AMG EV.

Mercedes-Benz Fast Facts

• Mercedes EV Range Includes SUV Variants Of EQE and EQS.
• EQE and EQS Built On Bespoke EV Architecture.
• EQS AMG Genuinely Fast With Up To 751 Horsepower Available.

6 Hyundai

One Of The Fastest Growing Companies In The EV Segment

Once a budget carmaker and now a darling of the EV scene, Hyundai has become one of the success stories of electrification since the arrival of its Electric Global Modular Platform, or E-GMP. The E-GMP is shared with sister company, Kia, and underpins the award-winning Hyundai IONIQ 5, the equally successful IONIQ 6, the highly popular Kia EV6, the game-changing EV9, and the Genesis GV60.

The 800-volt E-GMP platform is EV-only and supports rear-wheel and front-wheel drive drivetrains. Meanwhile, its motor, inverter, and transmission are integrated into a single powertrain unit. Over the coming years, Hyundai plans to release 11 all-electric vehicles built around the E-GMP architecture. In October 2024, Hyundai is set to open its $7.6 billion EV and battery complex - the Hyundai Motor Group Plant America - in Bryan County, Georgia.

Hyundai Fast Facts

• One Of The EV World's Success Stories Thanks To E-GMP Architecture.
• Hyundai Sold 53 Percent More EVs Year-On-Year In March 2024.
• The Hyundai IONIQ 5 And IONIQ 6 Named World Electric Car At The World Car Awards In 2022 and 2023, Respectively.

7 Polestar

The Geely-Owned Brand That Made EVs Cool

Polestar was once the performance arm of Volvo, but it became a dedicated EV maker in 2017. Since then, the immensely likable Swedish brand has become a favorite among buyers thanks to its unique sense of minimalist Scandinavian style and Tesla-rivaling battery ranges. Polestar, like Volvo, is owned by the Chinese automotive conglomerate, Geely. Its first EV was the Polestar 2, which has since been joined by the recently launched Polestar 3 SUV and Polestar 4 SUV coupé.

Polestar’s HQ is in Gothenburg, with all production currently taking place at its Chengdu plant in China. Polestar has announced that the next cars in its line-up are the Polestar 5 performance GT and Polestar 6 roadster in 2025 and 2026 respectively. In line with its Polestar 0 pledge, Polestar intends that each car it produces by 2040 will be fully climate neutral.

Polestar Fast Facts

• Sustainable Interiors And Google Infotainment Integral To Polestar's Success.
• Polestar Opening Factories In South Carolina, USA, and Busan, South Korea, In 2024 and 2025.
• Polestar floated on the New York Stock Exchange in 2022.

8 Rivian

The Floridian Startup That Launched The First Electric Pickup Truck In The U.S.

Once an outdoor recreation company and now a dedicated EV maker, California-based Rivian has become one of the more popular EV startups thanks to its handsomely-styled R1T pickup, and R1S SUV. Despite laying off 10 percent of its staff in early 2024, Rivian’s plans for the future remain ambitious - the R2 midsize SUV is set to join the fold in 2026, and a Golf-sized R3 hatchback is set to debut around the same time.

Rivian raised over $13.5B in its 2021 Initial Public Offering (IPO), and in 2024 it announced its partnership with VW. The agreement will see the German manufacturer invest up to $5 billion in Rivian by 2026 with a view to a potential joint venture aimed at developing electrical architecture and software technologies.

Rivian Fast Facts

• Rivian Makes Truly Desirable EVs Geared Towards Outdoor Adventures.
• Rivian Has Started To Introduce Its Level 2, 11.5-Kilowatt “Rivian Waypoint” network of chargers across the U.S.
• R1T And R1S Have Genuine Off-road Abilities.

9 Xiaomi

Affordable, But Not For America

Best known for being the world’s second-largest producer of smartphones behind Samsung, China’s Xiaomi has also created Xiaomi Auto, a subsidiary firm aimed at producing electric vehicles. Its debut car, the Xiaomi SU7 was released in China in 2024. The SU7 is built around Xiaomi’s ‘Modena’ platform, allowing a maximum voltage of 871 volts.

With over 600 horsepower on tap and an estimated 364-mile range in top-tier ‘Max’ guise, the SU7 is aimed firmly at the likes of the Tesla Model S and the Porsche Taycan. The Xiaomi SU7 allegedly sold out within 24 hours of going on sale in China. Like every other Chinese car mentioned on this list, the Xiaomi SU7 won’t be making it to the United States due to the trade dispute between the two countries.

Xiaomi Fast Facts

• MSRP Of 215,000 Yuan ($29,800).
• Xiaomi MX11 Announced As Brand's Second Model.
• Xiaomi SU7 Runs On Brand's HyperOS.

10 Ford

Democratizing EVs With The F-150 Lightning And Mustang Mach-E

Ford has been integral to the mass adoption of EVs in the United States after doing what it has always done by offering appealing, well-equipped cars at attractive prices in the form of the all-electric F-150 Lightning and the Mustang Mach-E SUV. Both models cost less than $50,000 and draw on the F-150s reputation as the best-selling truck in the U.S. since 1982, and the Mustang’s iconic nameplate.

Ford isn’t a dedicated EV manufacturer, nor has it nailed its colors to an all-electric future as it plans to continue producing hybrids. The Blue Oval has, however, pledged to overhaul its assembly plants in Avon Lake, Ohio, and Oakville, Ontario, to accommodate the construction of its upcoming line of dedicated EVs in 2027. A skunkworks team of engineers at Ford's California facility is also said to be developing a low-cost, flexible EV platform to align with the brand's electrification plans.

Ford Fast Facts

• Ford Took A Risk That Paid Off By Electrifying Its F-150 And Mustang Nameplates.
• Mustang Mach-E Among The Most Popular EV SUVs In The U.S.
• The Second-Biggest EV Maker In The U.S. Behind Tesla In 2022 And 2023.