Tesla has suffered another sharp drop in European sales, new data reveals, deepening what has been a challenging year for the electric vehicle (EV) pioneer. Registrations fell significantly across the continent in November, as the brand faces a potent mix of political backlash and intensifying competition.
A Steep Decline in Key Market Share
According to figures released by the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA), Tesla's registrations in the European Union plummeted by 34.2% in November 2025 compared to the same month last year. The picture across the wider region, which includes the EU, the UK, and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) nations, was also bleak, showing an 11.8% decline.
In concrete terms, Tesla sold just 12,130 cars in the EU last month, a stark drop from the 18,430 units it registered in November 2024. This collapse in volume has severely eroded its market presence, with its share of the EU car market shrinking from 2.1% to just 1.4%.
The Rise of Chinese Competition
While Tesla struggles, its rivals are accelerating. Most notably, Chinese manufacturer BYD posted staggering growth in the same period. BYD's sales across the EU, EFTA, and the UK skyrocketed by 221% year-on-year in November, surging from 6,568 to 21,133 units. This performance starkly highlights the shifting dynamics of the global electric car race.
BYD is at the forefront of a concerted push by Chinese carmakers, backed by state and regional support, to use the transition to electrification as a springboard to dominate international markets. Their aggressive expansion into Europe presents a formidable challenge to established players.
Broader Market Trends and Underlying Challenges
Interestingly, Tesla's difficulties are occurring against a backdrop of overall growth for electric vehicles. In the first eleven months of 2025, battery-electric cars accounted for 16.9% of the EU market, up from a baseline of 13.4% in the same period in 2024. This indicates that the problem is specific to Tesla, not the broader EV sector.
Analysts point to several factors behind Tesla's European slump. A significant consumer backlash related to Elon Musk's political activism, particularly his support for Donald Trump's administration before their relationship soured, is cited as a key issue affecting brand perception. Furthermore, Tesla is navigating what its CEO has warned will be "rough quarters" ahead, even as it contends with this fierce new competitive landscape.
The data for November 2025 paints a clear picture of a market in flux. Tesla's annus horribilis continues with a dramatic sales decline, while Chinese manufacturers like BYD are capitalising on the opportunity, recording triple-digit growth and altering the competitive hierarchy in the world's automotive sectors.
