Tesla's European sales nearly halved in October, while Chinese competitor BYD not only surpassed Tesla in sales but also captured a larger market share in the region.
Tesla registered 6,964 new registrations in the European Union, the free trade area, and the United Kingdom in October, according to ACEA data published on Tuesday. This performance corresponds to a 48.5% drop compared to the corresponding month last year.
Tesla's market share fell to 0.6%, compared to 1.3% a year ago—an indication of its weakening presence in the European market.
BYD's surge with a 206.8% rise
In contrast, the Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer BYD sold 17,470 vehicles in the region in October, recording an impressive 206.8% year-on-year increase. BYD's market share rose to 1.6%, now clearly surpassing Tesla.
Total car registrations in Europe increased by 4.9%, reaching 1.09 million vehicles in October. Hybrid electric vehicles continue to dominate the market, with their sales growing by 7.5% to 373,171 units.
BYD has an advantage over Tesla, as it offers not only battery electric vehicles (BEVs) but also a popular range of plug-in hybrid models—something that strengthens its position in the largest and fastest-growing category.
Continuous pressures for Tesla in 2025
Tesla's sales in Europe have been steadily declining since the beginning of 2025, with the latest data showing a weak start to the fourth quarter. Increased competitive pressure from Chinese companies and backlash against the political positions of CEO Elon Musk have negatively affected demand.
Tesla's recent range refresh, including the new more economical versions of the Model Y and Model 3, failed to boost sales. The company also faces adverse conditions in other significant markets, especially in China.
BYD's aggressive strategy
BYD has significantly accelerated its international expansion, maintaining strong sales flows to Europe, despite the imposition of strict tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles since 2024. However, it managed to bypass some of the tariffs through its plug-in hybrid models, which fall outside the stricter taxation framework for pure electric vehicles.
This strategy allows it to remain highly competitive and strengthen its position as one of the most dynamic players in the European e-mobility market.
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