Tesla’s car sales in the United Kingdom dropped sharply in May, falling by more than 45% compared to the same month last year, according to preliminary figures released Wednesday by research group New AutoMotive.
The American EV manufacturer sold just 1,758 vehicles in the UK last month, down from 3,244 in May 2024. Analysts suggest that part of the decline may be linked to CEO Elon Musk’s public alignment with far-right political views in Europe, which has reportedly affected consumer perception and market share.
Despite the slump, Tesla still holds the top spot as the best-selling battery electric vehicle (BEV) brand in the UK for the year to date, highlighting the brand’s ongoing dominance in the segment.
Meanwhile, the broader UK auto market showed signs of recovery. New car registrations rose by 4.3% year-over-year in May, reaching a total of 144,098 units. The electric vehicle sector stood out, with BEV sales jumping by 28% compared to May 2024.
Tesla’s Chinese competitors are also making noticeable gains in the UK market. BYD, one of China’s largest EV manufacturers, more than doubled its new car sales in Britain during May, reaching 1,388 units—a significant increase that signals growing competition in the EV space.
These figures underline a shifting landscape in the UK’s electric vehicle market. While Tesla continues to lead in cumulative sales, emerging players like BYD are rapidly gaining ground, and public sentiment tied to corporate leadership may increasingly influence purchasing decisions.
The data reflects broader industry dynamics in Europe as well, where political and economic factors are intersecting with the transition to electric mobility.