Tesla sales dwindled last quarter

Tesla sales dropped 13% in the first quarter of this year, its steepest plunge since 2022. The company delivered 336,681 cars, nearly 50,000 fewer than last year.

The decline follows global backlash against CEO Elon Musk after he became the head of DOGE. Protests in Europe over his vocal support for far-right political parties in Germany and the UK also played a role in sales decline. Other factors include increasing competition, especially in the Chinese market, and delays in launching new models.

A CNN poll found only 35% of Americans view Musk positively, with liberals—the key buyers in the green EV market—turning away. In blue states, repeat Tesla purchases fell from 72% to 65% last year.

Sales in Europe plunged 49%, according to the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association.

Meanwhile, BYD sold over 416,000 EVs in the first three months of 2025, outpacing Musk’s EV-maker.

Tesla shares, down 44% since December, fell another 2% before rebounding. Analysts warn Musk’s controversies are damaging Tesla’s brand and sales momentum. Meanwhile, investors await Tesla’s April 22 earnings report.