Tesla’s sales in Germany plunged 76% in February after Elon Musk endorsed the far-right AfD, continuing a steep decline in the country’s EV market.
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| Tesla’s sales in Germany fell 76% in February as Elon Musk’s endorsement of the far-right AfD fueled consumer backlash amid a shifting EV market. Image: ChicHue |
Berlin, Germany – March 7, 2025:
Tesla’s sales in Germany suffered a dramatic decline in February, with registrations plummeting by 76% compared to the same month last year. The continued slump follows Elon Musk’s vocal support for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) during the country’s recent elections.
According to data from Germany’s KBA federal transport authority, only 1,429 Tesla vehicles were registered last month, extending the company’s struggles after a nearly 60% sales drop in January. Across the first two months of 2025, Tesla’s German sales have fallen 70%.
Musk sparked controversy by using his social media platform X to claim that only the AfD could “save Germany.” The party went on to secure nearly 21% of the vote in the February 23 national elections, marking its best-ever performance. However, Germany’s mainstream political parties have continued to isolate the AfD, refusing to collaborate with the far right.
Tesla’s sharp decline stands in contrast to a recovery in Germany’s broader electric vehicle market. While total new car registrations in February fell 6.4%, battery-powered vehicle sales rose 31% year-on-year, with around 36,000 new registrations.
Germany’s EV sector has faced challenges since the government ended key subsidies, dampening consumer demand. However, Tesla’s disproportionate losses suggest that Musk’s political stance may be influencing buyers in the country.