European Tesla car sales plummeted last month, suggesting a potential customer backlash against Elon Musk’s controversial behavior since joining Donald Trump’s administration. According to data from Jato Dynamics, the Texas-based electric car manufacturer sold fewer than 16,000 vehicles across 25 European countries, the UK, Norway, and Switzerland – a 44% average decline. Consequently, Tesla’s market share in Europe hit a five-year low of 9.6% in February, down from 13.9% in January. Analysts are trying to determine the impact of Musk’s political involvement on Tesla’s sales. Though Tesla dealerships have been targeted by protests, the drop in sales could also be influenced by the overhaul of the Model Y. Meanwhile, BYD outpaced Tesla in electric car sales last year, even though Tesla remains larger overall. Policies of other auto companies are also affecting the electric car market. In February, total car sales across the European market dropped by 3%, while battery electric vehicle registrations went up by a quarter.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/mar/24/tesla-sales-eu-slump-elon-musks-donald-trump-byd