Is Tesla Losing Its Grip on Europe?

Tesla is facing serious challenges in Europe, where its electric vehicle (EV) sales dropped by 53% across the European Union in April 2025 compared to the same month last year, according to data from the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA). The decline extends across the broader region, including the UK, Norway, and Switzerland, where Tesla sales fell 49%. This marks the fourth straight month of falling year-over-year sales for the automaker in Europe.

The drop comes amid growing political backlash toward CEO Elon Musk, whose support for far-right figures in Germany and the UK has sparked controversy and protests.

Simultaneously, Tesla is facing fierce competition from Chinese EV maker BYD, which surpassed Tesla’s sales in Europe for the first time in April. Despite the broader growth of Europe’s EV market, which saw battery electric vehicle sales jump over 26% in the first four months of 2025, Tesla’s position is slipping.

The report follows Tesla’s global sales slump and a 71% drop in quarterly profits. As Tesla relies exclusively on battery EVs, while rivals diversify offerings, questions arise about the company’s future footing in Europe’s competitive EV landscape.