According To A Trade Group, Tesla’s Sales In The EU Dropped By 52% in April

Sales of Elon Musk’s Tesla vehicles plunged over 50% in April, while Chinese EV makers gained market share, the European auto industry group reported Tuesday.

Although electric car sales increased across the 27 European Union countries, Tesla’s market share dropped sharply, influenced by attention on Musk’s collaboration with US President Donald Trump and the aging models of the US automaker.

The European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) reported that Tesla sold 5,475 cars in April, a 52.6% decrease compared to April last year.

From January to April 2025, Tesla’s sales declined by 46.1%, totaling 41,677 cars, compared to the same period in the previous year.

Previously the clear leader in electric vehicle sales, Tesla was surpassed in April by 10 competitors, including Volkswagen, BMW, Renault, and Chinese manufacturer BYD, according to JATO Dynamics analysts.

In April, Tesla reported a 13% drop in worldwide sales for the first quarter, adding pressure on Musk, although the company attributed some of the decline to production disruptions during an upgrade of its Model Y.

Musk has since revealed plans to cut back on his efforts to help Trump reduce US government spending and recently stated that Tesla’s sales are “doing well.”

Top Hybrid Manufacturers

Skoda’s new Elroq topped electric car sales, with Tesla’s Model Y, previously the leader, ranking ninth. Overall, electric car sales increased by 26.4% compared to last year, capturing 15.3% of the market in April, according to ACEA.

However, the growth varies across Europe, as different countries and manufacturers offer varying incentives. Germany, Belgium, Italy, and Spain experienced significant increases, while electric car sales declined in France.

“The share of battery-electric vehicles is gradually gaining momentum, but growth remains slow and uneven across EU countries,” said Sigrid de Vries, ACEA’s director general.

She emphasized that for battery-electric vehicles to become mainstream, governments must continue providing essential support like purchase and tax incentives, charging infrastructure, and affordable electricity.

Hybrid Vehicles Drive Growth as Technology-Neutral Approach Gains Traction in Europe

De Vries also highlighted that the continued popularity of hybrid vehicles demonstrates the value of maintaining a technology-neutral approach.

Hybrid cars with small electric batteries still lead the European market, with sales up 20.8% since the start of the year, while petrol-only car sales have dropped 20.6% over the same period.

The Volkswagen group remains Europe’s top brand, with sales rising 2.9% in April.

Chinese brands have significantly contributed to the rise in electric and hybrid car sales, holding 7.9% of the European market, according to JATO.

Sales of electric and hybrid models from BYD, MG, Xpeng, and Leapmotor increased 59% year-on-year, compared to a 26% rise from other manufacturers.

JATO analyst Felipe Munoz noted that it is still unclear whether the EU will impose tariffs on Chinese hybrid cars, similar to those applied to electric vehicles.

Read the original article on: Tech Xplore

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