Tesla’s UK car registrations fell 19% in November 2025, continuing a brutal European sales collapse as Chinese rival BYD more than tripled its British deliveries.

Why it matters: The UK, now Europe’s largest EV market, has become another battleground where Chinese automakers are rapidly overtaking Tesla.

The Details

Tesla registered 3,784 vehicles in the UK in November, down from 4,680 a year ago, according to preliminary data from New AutoMotive.
Data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) showed a similar 17.2% year-on-year decline to 3,772 units.
BYD’s UK registrations more than tripled in November, capitalizing on Tesla’s aging lineup and growing consumer choice.
The UK now offers more than 150 electric vehicle models to British motorists, intensifying competition.
Tesla’s November decline mirrors a 20% drop in Germany and a nearly 60% slump in France, with only Norway posting gains.

By the Numbers

Tesla UK November Sales

November 2025: 3,784 units (New AutoMotive) / 3,772 (SMMT)
November 2024: 4,680 units
Year-over-year change: Down 19% (New AutoMotive) / Down 17.2% (SMMT)

UK Market Overview

Total UK registrations: 146,780 vehicles (down 6.3%)
Battery electric vehicles: 38,742 units (down 1.1%)
Plug-in hybrids: 16,526 units (up 3.8%)

Tesla Europe (Jan-Oct 2025): 180,688 vehicles sold across EU, EFTA, and UK

EVXL’s Take

November’s UK data adds another chapter to the story EVXL has been documenting all year: Tesla’s European business is in structural decline while Chinese competitors execute aggressive expansion. When BYD overtook Tesla in the UK market in October, it marked a dramatic reversal from 2024, when Tesla outsold BYD nearly 6-to-1 in Britain. That gap has now completely evaporated.

The root causes remain unchanged: an aging Model 3 and Model Y lineup, CEO Elon Musk’s polarizing political activities alienating European buyers, and Chinese manufacturers offering fresher designs at lower prices.

Jamie Hamilton, head of electric vehicles at Deloitte, noted that “On the surface, some consumers may feel that BEVs have increased in cost, but this is not necessarily the case.”

The problem for Tesla is that perception matters, and BYD is winning that battle.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many cars did Tesla sell in the UK in November 2025?
Tesla registered approximately 3,784 vehicles in the UK in November 2025, a 19% decline from 4,680 units in November 2024.

How did BYD perform in the UK in November?
BYD’s UK registrations more than tripled in November, continuing its aggressive expansion in Europe’s largest EV market.

Is Tesla struggling across all of Europe?
Yes. Tesla sales dropped 20% in Germany and nearly 60% in France in November. Only Norway showed growth, driven by buyers rushing ahead of 2026 tax changes.