Frankfurt, Germany (AP) – European sales of Tesla electric vehicles fell 49% in the first two months of the previous year, even when total EV sales increased, according to the European Automakers Association.
There have been complaints from Tesla about the aging lineup of vehicles, as well as a significant backlash against CEO Elon Musk, and his connection to partnering with the US Trump administration in Europe, as well as his recognition of German German party’s far-right alternatives in last month’s national elections.
Tesla faces increasing competition with major automakers in strengthening EV production, including China’s BYD. On Tuesday, BYD reported a record of 2024 revenue of 777.1 billion yuan ($10007 billion) as sales of electric and hybrid vehicles rose 40%. Earlier this month, BYD announced an ultra-fast EV charging system that is as fast as filling it with a gas pump.
Tesla sales in January and February fell to 19,046 from 37,311 in the same period in 2024. This is against the backdrop of a 28.4% increase in sales of all battery-electric vehicles in Europe.
German politicians and opinion media have sharply criticised Musk for his support for the AFD, but Tesla vehicles and dealers have been targeted by US and European protesters, celebrating their support for the AFD and their role in advising US President Donald Trump to significantly reduce the size of the US federal government.
However, Tesla sales are declining worldwide. The company recorded its first annual sales decline in January in over 12 years. Tesla’s new CyberTruck has received multiple recalls, including last week. This recalls almost everything in the company as the panels that run along the left and right side of the windshield can take flight when driving.
It was the eighth CyberTruck recall, as delivery to customers began over a year ago.
Original issue: March 25th, 2025, 12:31pm EDT
