Tesla Sales Crash by 49% in Europe as Musk’s Politics and Aging Models Drive Buyers Away

Tesla’s once-dominant position in Europe’s electric vehicle (EV) market is crumbling, with registrations plunging 49% in January and February 2025 compared to the same period last year. Just 19,046 Teslas were sold in the EU during those two months—a shocking drop as overall EV sales grew by 28.4%.

Industry analysts point to two major factors:

1. Elon Musk’s polarizing politics, including his support for Germany’s far-right AfD party.
2. Aging Tesla models struggling to compete with sleeker, more advanced Chinese and European EVs.

Why Are European Buyers Abandoning Tesla?

1. Musk’s Political Backlash

• Musk’s endorsement of Germany’s Alternative for Germany (AfD) sparked outrage, leading to vandalism at Tesla dealerships and burned cars in protests.
• Germany, Tesla’s biggest EU market, saw sales crash 76% in February after a 60% drop in January.
• “Many Europeans disagree with Musk’s views,” says Matthieu Noel of Roland Berger, though it’s unclear if the backlash is permanent.

2. Outdated Models & Rising Competition

• Tesla’s Model 3 and Model Y look nearly identical to older versions, while Chinese brands (like MG) and European EVs offer fresher designs.
• The Cybertruck’s reliability issues (including recalls) hurt Tesla’s reputation—even though it’s not sold in Europe.
• Tesla’s EU market share is now just 1.1%, trailing behind Chinese automaker SAIC (MG).

The Bigger Picture: Europe’s EV Market Grows—Without Tesla

• EV sales rose 28% in the EU, capturing 15.2% of the market.
• Hybrids dominate (35.2% share), while petrol cars hold 29.1%.
• Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands saw EV growth, with Spain and Italy finally gaining momentum.

Yet ACEA Director General Sigrid de Vries warns:

“EV demand still lags behind climate goals. We need more charging stations and buyer incentives to hit zero-emission targets.”

What’s Next for Tesla in Europe?

• Refreshed models could revive interest—but Tesla is losing ground fast.
• If Musk’s political controversies continue, recovery may be difficult.
• Chinese rivals (BYD, MG) and European brands (Volkswagen, Renault) are seizing the opportunity.

{Source The South African}

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