Digging Deep into Popular EVs Shows Tesla’s Big Advantage

While the Nissan Leaf currently holds the crown as the best-selling electric vehicle of all time, the Tesla Model 3 will likely take the throne soon. According to the InsideEVs Monthly Sales Scorecard, it has been the best-selling plug-in vehicle every single month since January 2018.

It’s a wildly successful car that has been applauded for its quick acceleration, athletic handling, long range, generous amounts of cargo and passenger room, and access to Tesla’s Supercharger network.

Those perks aren’t skin-deep either.

Jalopnik’s Jason Torchinsky and David Tracy took a deep dive into the internals of three popular electric vehicles: BMW i3, Chevrolet Bolt, and Tesla Model 3, covering several key parts of an electric powertrain.

They looked at the cars’ batteries, the battery heating and cooling systems, electric motors, and the power inverter that converts electricity from the battery into something the motor can use.

In several of the categories they looked at, Model 3 had significant advantages over the competitors. Take a look at their video below:

The three automakers have taken different approaches to designing their electric vehicles.

The Bolt is a full battery electric with a great range – second only to Tesla – plus it is front wheel drive and uses Chevy’s familiar MyLink system. It’s an easy switch for people used to driving popular sedans, hatchbacks, and crossovers.

The BMW i3 is like a concept car that somehow got approved for full production with its carbon-fiber body, funky styling inside and out, and other high-tech features meant to show off what BMW is capable of.

The Model 3 is a pure battery electric from a company that doesn’t make anything else. It’s clear Tesla’s extra experience has enabled them to pull ahead of the competition with an outstanding electric powertrain and clever packaging.