Tesla’s automotive sales continue to decline significantly across Europe, despite growth in overall electric vehicle (EV) sales within the region. In Spain, Tesla sold only 571 vehicles this April, representing a 36% drop compared to the same month last year. This decline contrasts sharply with the surge in demand enjoyed by competitors in the Spanish market during the same period.
Across Europe, Tesla’s situation shows a similar downward trend. For the first four months of the year, Tesla’s sales dropped by 37.2%, even as overall EV sales in Europe climbed nearly 28%. Some countries faced even more severe downturns; for example, Tesla’s sales in Sweden plummeted by 81% in April, marking their lowest figures in almost three years.
Industry observers attribute Tesla’s poor performance partly to growing discontent among European customers about CEO Elon Musk’s recent political stance and his close connections to former U.S. President Donald Trump. This relationship has reportedly fueled increasing backlash against the automaker, exacerbated by global economic uncertainty stemming from trade tariffs imposed during Trump’s presidency. Concurrently, European consumers are notably shifting towards Chinese EV manufacturers such as Tesla’s chief rival, BYD.
Meanwhile, Tesla faces parallel challenges at home in the United States. Sales of the recently introduced Model Y have been somewhat disappointing, prompting Tesla to offer discounts to stimulate dwindling consumer interest.
Seeking fresh opportunities, Tesla has begun exploring new markets in Saudi Arabia and India. Both markets, however, present obstacles—including limited charging infrastructure—that could limit their potential to reverse Tesla’s declining global sales trajectory.
