A Tesla gross sales centre in Innsbruck, Austria. The US-based electrical automobile producer faces declining European gross sales amid rising competitors and controversies involving CEO Elon Musk.
Credit score : Shutterstock, Kittyfly
Tesla isn’t off to an important begin in Europe this 12 months. Gross sales in January and February dropped by practically half in comparison with the identical months in 2024, which is particularly stunning given Europe’s rising enthusiasm for electrical automobiles.
Actually, whereas Tesla‘s numbers dipped, EV gross sales throughout the continent jumped by over 28 per cent, based on current figures from the European Vehicle Producers’ Affiliation.
To place that in context, Tesla bought simply 19,046 automobiles within the first two months of 2025—a pointy decline from the 37,311 automobiles bought throughout the identical interval final 12 months.
How Elon Musk’s controversial politics affect Tesla’s model picture
However Tesla’s issues aren’t nearly gross sales figures. CEO Elon Musk has been making headlines for all of the flawed causes, particularly his current help for Germany’s far-right Various for Germany (AfD) get together. This transfer hasn’t gone down nicely in Europe, sparking criticism and even protests exterior Tesla dealerships each in Europe and the U.S.
Musk’s help of U.S. President Donald Trump and his usually controversial statements on-line have additional alienated some European patrons, who sometimes worth sustainability and accountable company practices. Many now really feel Musk’s private politics conflict with Tesla’s eco-friendly picture.
BYD challenges Tesla with fast progress and superior EV know-how
Tesla can also be going through harder competitors than ever, significantly from Chinese language automaker BYD, which not too long ago introduced record-breaking income of round £87 billion ($107 billion) due to a major 40 per cent enhance in electrical and hybrid car gross sales. BYD has additionally launched an ultra-fast EV charging system that’s practically as fast as refuelling at a petroleum station, posing a severe problem to Tesla.
Including to Tesla’s troubles, their extremely anticipated Cybertruck continues to expertise important high quality points. With eight recollects already since its launch just a little over a 12 months in the past—together with a worrying drawback with panels that may detach whereas driving—the Cybertruck is inflicting potential patrons to second-guess their alternative.
If Tesla desires to bounce again in Europe, it might want to deal with its picture issues and reassure prospects about car reliability.