Tesla’s German EV Sales Plummet Amid Political Backlash and Rising Competition
Tesla's electric vehicle sales in Germany collapsed by 53% year-over-year in October, with just 750 units sold compared to 1,607 during the same period in 2024. The decline persists despite a 40% surge in overall European EV adoption this year, highlighting Tesla's growing isolation in the continent's automotive market.
CEO Elon Musk's controversial endorsement of Germany's far-right AfD party has triggered consumer backlash, particularly ironic given Tesla's major Brandenburg manufacturing presence. The political friction coincides with intensified competition from European and Chinese automakers flooding the market with sub-€35,000 EVs—a price bracket where Tesla remains uncompetitive despite its recent €5,000 Model Y price cut to €39,990.