Tesla, once the undisputed trailblazer of the electric vehicle boom, is facing a major setback in Europe. The brand’s stronghold has weakened dramatically, with sales plummeting and consumers increasingly turning away\u2014not because of the cars, but because of the man behind them: Elon Musk.<\/p>\n
Sharp Decline as Boycott Bites<\/p>\n
According to The Telegraph<\/a>, Tesla’s European sales halved in April, plunging from 11,540 vehicles last year to just 5,475\u2014a 53% drop. The slump is largely attributed to an ongoing boycott of the brand, driven by Musk’s increasingly vocal support of Donald Trump<\/a>.<\/p>\n The figures, released by industry group ACEA, paint a stark picture for the company. Even as Europe’s electric vehicle (EV) market expanded by more than 26% overall, Tesla saw its fourth consecutive monthly decline. Meanwhile, Tesla’s profits have fallen to a five-year low, and its stock price has dropped nearly 20% from its peak.<\/p>\n Sales Tank While Rivals Surge<\/p>\n Tesla’s downturn is especially striking given that the broader EV market in Europe is thriving. Battery-electric vehicle sales now account for 15.3% of new car sales, with hybrid vehicles continuing to dominate.<\/p>\n Yet Tesla’s grip is slipping. Its January-to-April numbers reflect a consistent downward trajectory\u2014contrary to industry momentum. The company’s political baggage is proving costly. Musk’s public support of Trump and his brief role leading the administration’s ‘DOGE’ unit have triggered a backlash from left-leaning consumers and activists across Europe.<\/p>\n In some cases, protest has gone beyond boycotts: there have been arson attacks<\/a> on Tesla showrooms, a clear sign of intensifying frustration.<\/p>\n Musk Steps Back from Politics\u2014Sort Of<\/p>\n In response to Tesla’s faltering performance and a declining stock, Musk announced last week that he would step away from his unofficial White House<\/a> role to refocus on his businesses.<\/p>\n ‘I’m back to spending 24\/7 at work and sleeping in conference\/server\/factory rooms,’ he wrote on X<\/a>, adding that his priorities were now X, xAI, Tesla, and the upcoming Starship launch.<\/p>\n Despite the recommitment, many analysts argue that the damage has already been done\u2014and that Tesla’s woes run deeper than politics.<\/p>\n Back to spending 24\/7 at work and sleeping in conference\/server\/factory rooms. <\/p>\n I must be super focused on \ud835\udd4f\/xAI and Tesla (plus Starship launch next week), as we have critical technologies rolling out. <\/p>\n As evidenced by the \ud835\udd4f uptime issues this week, major operational\u2026<\/p>\n \u2014 Elon Musk (@elonmusk) May 24, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n Under Pressure from Cheaper Rivals<\/p>\n\n