Tesla’s electric vehicle (EV) sales in Europe took a nosedive in April 2025, with an alarming 81% drop in Sweden, marking the lowest sales since October 2022, according to a Reuters report. The automaker is grappling with fierce competition from Chinese EV makers and growing backlash against CEO Elon Musk’s political stance, raising questions about Tesla’s future in the European market.

Stiff Competition from Chinese EV Makers

Tesla’s sales across Europe have been declining for four straight months, with a 28% drop in battery electric vehicle (BEV) sales in March 2025 compared to the first two months of the year. In Sweden, Tesla sold just 203 vehicles in April, down from 1,042 the previous month. The Netherlands saw a 73.8% decline to 382 cars, while Portugal reported a 33% drop to 302 vehicles. Meanwhile, Chinese competitors like BYD and Xpeng are gaining ground, increasing their EU BEV market share to 2.9% and 1.2%, respectively, in the first quarter of 2025. “Tesla’s technological lead has largely been eroded with the current model lineup,” said Andy Leyland, co-founder of supply chain specialist SC Insights, highlighting the competitive pressure from both legacy automakers and Chinese entrants.

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Protests Against Musk’s Political Views

Elon Musk’s far-right political stance has sparked protests across Europe, impacting Tesla’s brand reputation. In a survey of 1,642 people conducted by Electrifying.com between March 24 and April 11, 59% of respondents said Musk’s views made them less likely to buy a Tesla. “The brand has taken a reputational hit here in Europe,” said Ginny Buckley, CEO of Electrifying.com. Showrooms and charging stations have faced vandalism, reflecting growing consumer discontent. This backlash, combined with Tesla’s sales slump, paints a challenging picture for the automaker in a region where EV adoption is critical.

Model Y Relaunch: A Potential Lifeline?

Tesla is set to launch a revamped Model Y in Europe, with deliveries starting in June 2025 in countries like Germany, Britain, France, and Italy. However, experts remain skeptical about its impact. “With production downtime over, sales may return to grow alongside other EV makers, but each month of underperformance threatens the group’s full-year forecasts,” said Will Roberts, head of automotive research at Rho Motion. Tesla’s first-quarter sales of all fully electric cars in Europe fell 37.2%, and the company’s net profit dropped 71%, missing Wall Street estimates. The Model Y relaunch could be a turning point, but it will need to win back consumers in a crowded market.

Tesla’s Biggest European Markets Revealed

Despite the downturn, Tesla sold 54,020 cars in the EU, EFTA, and UK region in the first three months of 2025. France led with 6,693 vehicles, followed by Germany (4,935) and Norway (4,482). The UK trailed closely with 12,632 sales, showing Tesla’s stronghold in key markets despite the overall decline. However, the company’s BEV market share in the EU shrank to 8.8% in the first quarter, down from 19.7% the previous year, underscoring the growing challenge.

EVXL’s Take

Tesla’s rough patch in Europe feels like a wake-up call for the EV giant. The numbers don’t lie—Chinese competitors are eating into Tesla’s market share with cheaper, innovative models, and Musk’s polarizing politics are turning off buyers faster than a drained battery on a cold day. For EV enthusiasts, this is a bittersweet moment: Tesla’s innovation pushed the industry forward, but now it’s playing catch-up. The Model Y relaunch might spark a comeback, but Tesla needs to focus on winning hearts, not just headlines. Europe’s EV market is a battleground, and Tesla can’t afford to coast on its past glory. What do you think—can Tesla recharge its European dream, or is this the start of a bigger slide? Let us know in the comments!