Tesla's decline continues across Europe and the figures are alarming, particularly in Germany. In February 2025, the American manufacturer's deliveries fell catastrophically across the Rhine, with only 1,429 new registrations compared to more than 6,000 the previous year. This represents a drop of more than 76% over one year and comes after a significant decline in January, confirming Tesla's difficulties in a very competitive market. The firm recorded a 70.6% drop in its deliveries this year in Germany, which was previously its largest European market. This spectacular fall is not isolated and has been seen in many European countries since the start of the year: France (-44.4%), the Netherlands (-34.1%), Norway (-45.3%), Spain (-44.4%), and Sweden (-43.9%). Only the United Kingdom is holding up with a 7.7% increase since the start of 2025.
| Country | Registration date February 2025 | Registration date February 2024 ... January 2025 | Immat. January 2024 | Var. annual | |
| France | 2395 | 3244 | 1414 | 3118 | -44.4% |
| Germany | 1429 | 6038 | 1277 | 3150 | -70.6% |
| United Kingdom | 3851 | 3192 | 1293 | 1581 | +7.7% |
| Source: Electrek |
"Former market leader Tesla has not benefited from the positive trend in new electric registrations", notes Constantin Gall, an analyst at EY. Despite a recent refresh, Model 3 sales are declining, while the change in the Model Y version has not yet benefited Elon Musk's company. A symbol of Tesla's power in the electric segment, the Gigafactory Berlin-Brandenburg - and its promise to be able to produce 500,000 vehicles - now appears disproportionate if we look at Tesla's figures. Especially since some models registered in Europe come directly from China.
How can this fall be explained?
Several factors explain this fall and all eyes are inevitably on Tesla's big boss. Elon Musk's controversial positions do not seem to be working in the car manufacturer's favor, in especially in Germany. The multi-billionaire, close to Donald Trump, has shown his support for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party and his statements on British and French politics have not gone unnoticed. Demonstrations and boycotts have also emerged across Europe and are encouraging owners to abandon their Teslas.
A divisive figure, Elon Musk is not, however, the only one responsible for the collapse of Tesla sales on the Old Continent. Tesla is facing increasingly fierce competition, particularly from Chinese manufacturers, such as BYD and European brands such as Volkswagen and Renault. The situation will also have to be monitored in the coming weeks, when the new Model Y will have taken over what may seem like a transition period for the American firm.
In addition, the electric market is taking the full brunt of the bad patch in the global automotive industry. The media Bloomberg reports that Tesla has just recorded its lowest level of deliveries in China in two and a half years (-49% in February 2025 compared to February 2024). In total, 30,688 Tesla cars were sold last month in the largest market for electric vehicles.
This significant drop nevertheless raises questions about Tesla's future in Europe and the rest of the world. The company will have to overcome several challenges to regain consumer confidence and assert itself against the competition, while managing the attitude of its famous boss.
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