March 16, 2025 – A recent survey involving over 100,000 Germans has revealed a stark decline in interest for Tesla vehicles, with a staggering 94% of respondents indicating they would not consider purchasing a Tesla. This finding adds to the company’s growing challenges in Europe, a crucial market where its sales have already been on a sharp decline.
According to a new poll conducted by T-Online among 100,000 Germans, a mere 3% of participants expressed willingness to contemplate buying a Tesla. This overwhelming response underscores a clear rejection of Tesla by the German populace. An impressive 94% of T-Online readers have firmly stated they will not purchase another Tesla, with only 3% still open to the idea. The survey, which saw record-breaking participation, highlights a significant shift away from Tesla among German consumers.
In 2024, Tesla’s sales in Germany plummeted by 41% compared to the previous year, even as the overall electric vehicle market in the country experienced a 27% growth. This downturn has sparked concerns about Tesla’s future prospects in Germany, and the situation has worsened in early 2025. In the first two months of this year, Tesla’s sales in Germany have dropped by an additional 70% year-on-year.
Several factors contribute to Tesla’s declining sales, including intensifying competition in the electric vehicle market and the transition surrounding the Model Y. However, in recent months, industry experts have pointed to a significant factor: German dissatisfaction with Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s interference in local elections and his support for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party.
Currently, Musk is under investigation in Europe for his political involvement. His controversial actions, such as the alleged “Hitler salute” at Trump’s inauguration and the dissemination of fascist and Nazi-inspired remarks, have severely damaged his reputation in Germany. With the AfD garnering only 20% of voter support, Tesla cannot rely on this demographic for potential customers. Moreover, the AfD has even run ads explicitly opposing Tesla.
This survey result offers a compelling explanation for Tesla’s current sales predicament in Germany. Despite hopes from some Tesla shareholders that the new Model Y could reverse this trend, the survey paints a bleak picture. Additionally, the decline in sales of the Tesla Model 3 in Germany suggests that the issues extend beyond the Model Y alone.
