New Tesla car sales in Europe fell 28.2% in March compared to the previous year, despite overall battery electric vehicle sales rising 23.6% during the month, according to data from the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA).
The data showed that overall new car sales in Europe rose 2.8% during the month, supported by increased demand in the UK and Spain, where gains in electric vehicles offset a decline in sales of gasoline and diesel vehicles.
The decline in Tesla sales in Europe adds to signs that drivers are turning away from the American company’s cars, due to Elon Musk’s controversial views, and US tariffs appear to have influenced European public opinion.
European automakers are also struggling to compete with China while struggling to reduce high costs in their domestic markets. They are now also struggling to cope with the effects of US President Donald Trump’s 25% tariffs on car imports, which are casting a shadow over the industry’s outlook.
Market experts say the growing interest in electric cars in Europe, the world’s second-largest electric vehicle market, is largely due to new EU emissions targets and the launch of cheaper electric models, although the EU recently proposed relaxing these targets.
