Tesla’s sales in Germany experienced a significant drop last month, as indicated by official data released on March 5, following CEO Elon Musk’s outspoken support for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) during recent elections.
In February, only 1,429 Tesla electric vehicles were registered in Germany, representing a staggering 76 percent decrease compared to the same month last year, according to the KBA federal transport authority. This follows a nearly 60 percent decline in January, resulting in a total sales drop of 70 percent for Tesla in the country over the first two months of 2025.
The AfD garnered nearly 21 percent of the vote in Germany’s national elections on February 23, achieving a historic milestone. The party’s rise was partially attributed to Musk’s endorsement on his social media platform X, where he asserted that only the AfD could “save Germany.” Despite its electoral success, the AfD remains marginalized in Germany’s parliament, with mainstream parties refusing to collaborate with the far-right group due to the country’s historical context.
Tesla’s challenges come amid broader struggles in the electric vehicle market in Germany, with demand softening following the government’s elimination of key subsidy programs. However, while Tesla’s sales continue to falter, the overall electric vehicle sector is showing signs of recovery. In February, around 36,000 battery-powered cars were registered in Germany, marking a 31 percent increase compared to the same period last year.
Additionally, the overall automotive market in Germany faced a downturn, with new vehicle registrations dropping 6.4 percent from the previous month to approximately 203,400 units.
