Tesla’s EU sales fell nearly 40% this year despite overall EV growth, as Chinese rival BYD saw a 240% jump, ACEA data shows.
PARIS: Sales of Tesla cars in the European Union have plunged nearly 40% this year.
Data from the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) released on Tuesday showed the sharp decline.
This slump occurred despite a 28% rise in overall EU electric car sales in the first 11 months compared to the same period in 2024.
Chinese manufacturer BYD registered the biggest jump in sales, soaring 240%.
Electric vehicles now account for 17% of the EU car market.
ACEA noted a stronger consumer preference for hybrid-electric vehicles, which hold a 35% market share.
Tesla sold a total of 129,024 cars in the EU from January to the end of November.
That figure is well down from the 210,869 vehicles it sold last year.
BYD is gaining ground, having sold 110,715 cars so far this year.
For the same period last year, BYD sold 32,562 vehicles in the EU.
Tesla has suffered reputational damage in Europe linked to its CEO Elon Musk.
Musk backed US President Donald Trump before a falling-out and has endorsed Germany’s far-right AfD party.
The company also faces increased competition from cheaper Chinese brands.
ACEA figures showed Tesla’s slump continued in November alone, with sales sliding 34%.
The four biggest markets for electric cars in the EU are Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands and France.
