Sales increased in Europe by 26 % in April, those of Tesla drop by almost 53 % – Liberation

Each month comes back The same antiphon. Tesla sales in the European Union continued to tumble in April, this time they were divided by two, according to figures published this Tuesday, May 27.

The causes are always the same, namely His boss, Elon Muskbut also an aging range of vehicles. Tesla has thus seen its registrations drop into the European Union by 52.6 % in April and 46.1 % accumulated since the start of the year, according to the Association of European Manufacturers (ACEA). Tesla fell to 1.1 % market share in the first four months of 2025, with 41,677 vehicles, sold against 77,314 over the same period last year.

Leader in electric cars sales in Europe until 2024, Tesla was exceeded in this category in April by a total of ten brands, including Volkswagen (which thus catches up in electricity), BMW, Renault, but also Chinese Byd, according to the firm Jato Dynamics.

Skoda’s new electric SUV (Volkswagen group), the Elroq, has placed at the top of sales. The Tesla Model Y, a former market of the market, is relegated to ninth place.

Electric cars, however, continue to conquer the European market (+ 26.4 % over one year), reaching 15.3 % of sales in April, according to ACEA.

Electric sales are progressing very contrasting, however, depending on the European country, in particular according to the bonuses and tax advantages redistributed by governments. Three of the four largest EU markets, which represent 63 % of electric registrations, have recorded strong increases, Germany is + 42.8 %, Belgium at + 31.3 % and the Netherlands are + 6.4 %. On the other hand, France recorded a drop of 4.4 %, despite the recovery observed in April 2025.

« Sales of electric vehicles are slowly gaining momentum, but growth remains very progressive and unequal between EU countries », said Sigrid de Vries, director general of ACEA, in a statement.

« For electric vehicles to become a common choice, it is essential that governments continue to set up the necessary conditions, such as purchase and tax incentives, charging and | low) electricity prices », underlined Sigrid de Vries.

In this context, with their more accessible sales prices, hybrid cars (with a small electric battery that recharges by driving) continue to dominate the European market (+ 20.8 % since the start of the year), swallowing market share so far reserved for petrol cars (-20.6 %).

All energies combined, the Volkswagen group continues to dominate the European market (+ 2.9 % in April) and number 2 Stellantis Starts to limit the breakage after difficult months (-1.1 %), driven by its Peugeot, Jeep or Alfa Romeo marks.

The rechargeable hybrid cars (with a petrol engine and an electric battery that is plugged in to recharge) have rebounded (+ 7.8 %), especially in Germany and Spain, and represent 7.9 % of the market.

Chinese cars have « Greatly » Contributed to the success of electricity and rechargeable hybrids, analyzes Jato. Brands like BydMG, Xpeng or Leapmotor have increased by 59 % in one year in these categories, compared to 26 % for other brands.

« It remains to be seen whether the European Union will respond to the boom of Chinese rechargeable hybrids by imposing customs duties », As she did for electric cars, notes Felipe Munoz, from Jato.

Tesla notably suffers from the positions of her boss Elon Musk and his actions within Dogea Trump administration commission responsible for drastic cuts in federal expenses. In the first quarter of 2025, Tesla sales dropped by 13 % over a year, with a particularly marked flexibility in the EU, where registrations were contracted by 45 % compared to the same period last year.

Elon Musk nevertheless assured May 20 that Tesla’s commercial situation was already « Restified » and that sales were « Good ». He also indicated that he would only devote one day or two per week to the American Commission for government efficiency (DOGE), the rest of his time being dedicated to the management of his companies, in the first place Tesla.