Tesla’s electric car sales in Germany plummeted nearly 60% year-on-year in January, just 1,277 vehicles were registered, according to official data. The decline contrasts with a broader recovery in the European electric car market. The drop is attributed to government subsidies being phased out and amid a slowdown in demand for EVs.
Elon Musk’s vocal support for Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party ahead of February 23 polls has sparked controversy, with critics labeling his behavior “extremely damaging.” The Tesla boss drew criticism earlier this year after an inauguration event for US President Donald Trump, which resembled a Nazi salute. The incident led to activists projecting an image of the salute and the word “Heil” onto the outside of Tesla’s Berlin plant.
The German government withdrew subsidies for electric cars last year, causing sales to drop. However, the broader electric car sector in Germany rebounded by 53% from a year earlier, with 34,498 vehicles sold. Despite this, January sales were low due to the recent phase-out of subsidies. The sector is expected to recover in 2025 as manufacturers slash prices for EVs to meet stricter EU carbon emissions targets.
Source: https://fortune.com/europe/2025/02/06/tesla-sales-germany-elon-musk-disrupt-elections-far-right-afd