Tesla sales in Europe down 45 per cent
Sales of new Tesla vehicles in Europe fell by 45 per cent year-on-year in the first quarter of 2025, according to figures from the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA).
Tesla has been feeling the pinch in Europe since its CEO, Elon Musk, has faced backlash over his role as an adviser to US President Donald Trump. There have been calls to boycott US electric car manufacturer, and Tesla dealerships, charging stations and cars have been vandalised around the world.
Musk's vocal support for Trump has alienated some European consumers, as has his role in DOGE, the Department of Government Efficiency, which is tasked with cutting US government jobs and other spending.
Bucking the trend
Tesla is bucking the trend with falling sales. In the first quarter, there were 23.9 per cent more new registrations of electric cars in Europe, representing a 15.2 per cent market share. In contrast, total car sales fell by 1.9 per cent.
Hybrids remain the most popular, with a market share of 35.5 per cent in the first quarter
Hybrids remain the most popular, with a market share of 35.5 per cent in the first quarter, an increase of 20.7 per cent compared to the same period last year. Plug-in hybrids account for 7.6 per cent of the market, following a 1.1 per cent increase in sales.
Sales of petrol and diesel cars continued to fall sharply, down 20.6 and 27.1 per cent respectively. They still account for 28.7 and 9.5 per cent of the market.
A smashed Tesla car at an anti-Elon Musk protest in south London on 10 April 2025 © PHOTO HENRY NICHOLLS / AFP
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