Tesla’s European sales plunged 49% in January-February compared to last year, according to ACEA, with new registrations dropping to 19,046. In February alone, sales were down 47% at 11,743. The decline is attributed to aging Tesla models and growing consumer backlash against Elon Musk, who has become a vocal supporter of Donald Trump and is leading aggressive cost-cutting efforts at the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
Despite Tesla’s slump, overall electric vehicle sales in the EU surged 28.4% in the first two months of 2025, reaching 255,489 registrations and securing a 15.2% market share. Hybrid-electric vehicles led the market with 594,059 registrations (35.2% share), surpassing both petrol (29.1%) and diesel (9.7%) models.
Experts, including ACEA director general Sigrid de Vries, warn that demand for battery-electric vehicles still falls short of what’s needed for a full transition to zero-emission mobility. Calls for stronger tax incentives, purchase subsidies, and better charging infrastructure are growing, especially as the EU considers easing emission reduction targets to support struggling automakers. Meanwhile, Tesla faces additional challenges in the U.S., with reports of vandalized dealerships and a falling stock price amid ongoing controversy.
