Tesla’s sales in Europe once again recorded a sharp decline in May, with the brand led by Elon Musk falling by 27.9%, to 13,863 new registered vehicles.
The data revealed by the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA) shows that year-to-date, Tesla has recorded a decline of 37.1% compared to the first five months of 2024, with 75,196 registered cars.
The drop in Tesla’s sales for the fifth month in Europe contrasts with the trend of fully electric vehicle sales in the European market in the fifth month of the year, which recorded a growth of 27.2% compared to the same month in 2024, with 193,493 registered vehicles.
The decline occurred even as European battery electric and hybrid vehicles saw strong sales growth in May. Registrations of battery electric vehicles, which is Tesla’s main and only segment, increased by 27.2% year-on-year, reaching 193,493 vehicles in May.
The increase in the supply of 100% electric vehicles from European manufacturers, along with cheaper options from Chinese rivals, contributes to Tesla’s decline, along with an aging vehicle lineup.
Furthermore, public opposition to the political choices of Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, is also pointed out by analysts as a factor contributing to the weak sales of the American electric vehicle brand.