Tesla Sales Dive in Europe, Probably Because of Musk


### Tesla’s Sales Decline in Europe as EV Market Expands

The most recent **electric vehicle (EV) sales** figures for Europe in February 2025 have been published, revealing a concerning situation for **Elon Musk’s Tesla**.

As reported by the **European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA)**, battery electric vehicles (BEVs) are becoming increasingly popular throughout Europe, constituting **15.2% of new car registrations** in the first two months of 2025. This signifies a notable rise from **11.5% during the same timeframe in 2024**, largely impacting petrol and diesel vehicle sales. Overall, **255,489 BEVs** were sold, indicating a **28.4% increase** year-over-year.

In stark contrast, Tesla’s results have been **alarmingly disappointing**. The automaker experienced sales of **only 37,311 units** in Europe from January to February 2025, a staggering **49% drop** compared to the corresponding period last year.

### Tesla’s Setback: More Than Just a Model Y Update

Some of Tesla’s difficulties may be attributed to the **update of its top-selling Model Y**, which debuted in China in January before arriving in Europe. Potential customers might have postponed their purchases, anticipating the refreshed version.

Nonetheless, the February statistics point to a **larger issue**. Tesla recorded just **11,743 vehicles** sold in Europe that month, reflecting a **47.1% decrease** from February 2024, when sales reached **22,181 units**.

### European Consumers Are Opting for Other Brands

Tesla’s downturn cannot be solely blamed on the Model Y update. As per **JATO Dynamics**, a prominent automotive market research company, Tesla’s **Model Y sales saw a decline of 56%**, while **Model 3 sales dropped by 14%**—a downturn that is not solely explained by the Model Y update.

Conversely, **Volkswagen Group’s BEVs**, including the **Volkswagen ID.4, ID.3, and Skoda Enyaq**, experienced **significant sales growth** relative to February 2024. Even when analyzing the UK, EU, and EFTA markets individually, Tesla’s **overall sales across Europe have decreased by 40.1% year-over-year**.

### Tesla’s Challenges in Major Markets

Tesla’s sales decline is evident across various European nations. **Electrek**, which monitors Tesla’s performance on a country-by-country basis, indicates that the drop is **too severe to be merely due to the Model Y update**.

– In **Germany**, Tesla sold merely **1,429 cars** in February 2025—a **stunning 70.6% decline** from the prior year.
– In **France**, the sales dipped by **26%**.
– The **UK** was the only area where Tesla experienced a positive trend, with sales increasing **7.7%** in February.

### Musk’s Controversies May Be Affecting Tesla

In addition to product-related issues, **Elon Musk’s political controversies** may be alienating European buyers.

Musk’s **support for Germany’s far-right AfD party** and a **now-deleted post exonerating Hitler and other dictators from genocide** have prompted backlash. A **T-Online poll** with **100,000 participants** revealed that **94% of respondents would not consider purchasing a Tesla again**. Moreover, a **YouGov EuroTrack survey** indicated that **many Britons and Germans now view Musk unfavorably**.

### Can Tesla Restore Trust?

As Tesla’s **stock price continues to decline**, Musk remains hopeful, recently asserting on **X (previously Twitter)** that the company will be “fine in the long run.”

However, **regaining the trust of European consumers** might require more than just new models—it could involve **substantial changes within the company**.