Tesla Sales Are Tanking in Europe

Original Article ↗ Hacker News Discussion ↗

Overall market vs. Tesla-specific decline

  • Several comments note EV sales and overall car registrations are down slightly in Europe, with reduced subsidies and weaker macro conditions.
  • However, Tesla’s drop is much steeper than the market:
    • Example: in Germany, total registrations were ~1% down while Tesla sales fell ~41%.
    • In EU data cited, BEVs fell ~9.5% in November, but Tesla registrations declined ~40.9% in the same period.
    • Year‑to‑date, Tesla’s European market share shrank from ~2.8% to ~2.4% (EU+EFTA+UK); EV share of new cars was roughly flat.
  • Some argue the EV market is roughly steady and Tesla is uniquely losing share; others stress broader EV softness and subsidy cuts.

Competition and product lineup

  • Competition from legacy, Korean, and Chinese brands is seen as a major factor: Hyundai/Kia, BMW, Polestar/Volvo, VW group, BYD, Leapmotor, etc.
  • Many describe non‑Tesla EVs as now “good enough” or superior in comfort, build quality, and traditional controls, even if Tesla still leads in efficiency or OTA software for some.
  • Tesla’s lineup (mainly Model 3/Y) is viewed by some as aging; few mass‑market new models and the Cybertruck is irrelevant or negative in Europe.
  • Examples where Tesla still dominates (e.g., Norway, Spain) are noted, but trends show fast catch‑up by VW group and Chinese/Korean entrants.

Brand, Musk, and politics

  • A large group of commenters explicitly say they will not buy (or renew leases on) Teslas due to Musk’s behavior and political interventions, especially in Europe (e.g., support for far‑right parties, attacks on EU governments).
  • Some report seeing Teslas with stickers distancing owners from Musk, and describe social stigma around Tesla/Cybertruck in certain circles.
  • Others argue the “Musk effect” is overstated, limited to certain political demographics, or even offset by increased appeal among right‑leaning buyers in the US.
  • Debate arises over whether Musk’s use of his platform is “free speech” or harmful interference/propaganda.

Design, usability, and safety concerns

  • Many criticize Tesla’s heavy reliance on touchscreens and removal of physical controls (especially indicator stalks), describing them as unsafe and impractical on European roads (e.g., small roundabouts).
  • Some praise Tesla’s value and quality; others call the cars cheaply built and dated compared to newer EV designs.

Valuation and financial discussion

  • Several comments focus on Tesla’s high P/E (~110–120), contrasting it with much lower multiples for VW and tech firms like Alphabet.
  • Some see the stock as a meme/overpriced asset detached from car sales, propped up by robotaxi/AI narratives.
  • Others note Tesla’s absolute profits are still strong but acknowledge margin compression and the risk of a future correction.