Tesla is facing a serious problem in Germany. A new survey of over 100,000 Germans shows that 94% will not buy a Tesla. This is bad news for the company, as sales in Germany were already falling. Despite a 27% rise in electric vehicle (EV) sales in 2024, Tesla’s sales dropped by 41% compared to 2023.
The struggles are not limited to Germany—Tesla’s sales in the United Kingdom dropped by 55% in early 2025, while in France, sales fell by 48%. In the Netherlands, the company saw a 60% decline, and in Norway, Tesla’s sales dropped by 50% year-over-year. In China, one of Tesla’s biggest markets, sales fell by 30%, further adding to the company’s challenges. These numbers indicate a widespread rejection of Tesla across Europe.
The situation became even worse in 2025. In the first two months of the year, Tesla’s sales in Germany fell by 70%, a huge decline that raises concerns about the company’s future in the country.
One of the reasons for Tesla’s struggles is the growing competition in the EV market. German automakers such as Volkswagen, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz have introduced new electric models that are attracting customers.
These companies offer high-quality EVs with better pricing and features, making them more appealing to buyers. Tesla’s production delays, especially the Model Y update, have also contributed to its struggles. Customers looking for new vehicles may be unwilling to wait for Tesla and instead choose other brands.
However, the biggest issue for Tesla in Germany may not be its cars but rather its CEO, Elon Musk. In recent months, Musk has been involved in political controversies that have upset many Germans. He has shown public support for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, which is not popular among the majority of voters.
Musk’s political actions, including controversial social media posts, have damaged Tesla’s reputation in the country. Some reports even suggest that he made Nazi-related gestures at a political event, further hurting his image. These incidents have turned many potential buyers away from Tesla.
The impact of this controversy is clear in the latest survey conducted by T-Online. The survey, which received responses from around 100,000 people, revealed that only 3% of respondents would consider buying a Tesla.
The rejection of the brand is significant, showing that Tesla is losing its appeal in Germany. With nearly all survey participants saying they will not buy a Tesla, it is clear that the company is facing a serious image problem.
Musk’s support for AfD has not helped Tesla. Although around 20% of voters supported the AfD party, they may not be potential Tesla customers. Additionally, the AfD has not been supportive of Tesla in the past.
The party has even run political ads against the automaker, further complicating the situation for Tesla in Germany. This means Tesla cannot rely on political support to boost sales, making it even harder for the company to recover.
Some Tesla investors hope that the updated Model Y will help improve sales in Germany. However, the survey results suggest that public opinion is already set against the brand. Many Germans who once considered Tesla a leader in EV technology are now turning to local brands that they trust more.
Even the Model 3, another popular Tesla vehicle, is seeing a decline in sales. This shows that the company’s problems in Germany are not limited to just one model.
Tesla will need to rebuild its reputation, improve its production, and offer better deals to attract customers to recover from loss. However, this will not be an easy task, especially since many Germans have already made up their minds about Tesla.
The next few months will be critical for Tesla in Germany. If sales continue to decline, the company may lose its position in the country’s EV market. Tesla must find a way to win back customers, or it risks falling further behind in one of the most important automotive markets in the world.
