Tesla Inc (NASDAQ:TSLA) has lost its position as the UK’s leading electric vehicle (EV) maker, a trend echoed across Europe where sales are in decline amid a backlash against CEO Elon Musk.
Chinese EV manufacturers now dominate the UK market, accounting for 30% of all Chinese electric models sold across Europe, according to a Reuters report.
BYD, China’s top EV producer, narrowly outsold Tesla in the UK in May and recently launched the affordable Dolphin Surf, priced from under £20,000.
The surge in Chinese EV sales is part of a broader shift in Europe and China, driven by competitive pricing and growing consumer demand.
Meanwhile, Tesla’s European sales fell 28% in May, compounded by Musk’s divisive political stances, which have sparked protests and alienated buyers.
With rivals like BYD and Xpeng rapidly expanding, Tesla faces increasing pressure to regain momentum in a market where it once led.