Battery electric vehicle (BEV) registrations in Europe are continuing to grow rapidly, with April 2025 marking a 27.7% year-over-year increase. While new entrants into the BEV market are shaking up the monthly leaderboard, Tesla’s Model Y remains the top-selling EV across the continent through the first four months of the year.
Tesla Model Y Faces Fierce Monthly Competition
In April, the Tesla Model Y experienced a steep 49.9% drop in registrations compared to the same month last year, falling to ninth place with 4,805 units delivered. This marks the crossover’s weakest monthly performance since October 2022 and has lowered its April market share from 6.6% in 2024 to just 2.6% in 2025, according to the latest data from EV Volumes. (via Autovista24)
The monthly BEV crown was claimed by the Skoda Elroq, which surged to the top spot for the first time with 7,663 registrations. Volkswagen’s ID.3 and ID.7 also posted strong results, alongside the combined performance of the Renault 5 and Alpine A290.
Despite Tesla’s lower April numbers, the Model Y’s year-to-date position remains strong.
Model Y Still Reigns Year-to-Date
Despite the ninth-place performance in April, the Tesla Model Y retained its lead as the best-selling BEV in Europe with 35,192 registrations, and a 4.6% share of the all-electric market since the beginning of the year. The next closest competitor, the Volkswagen ID.4, has delivered 26,798 units so far, just edging out the Tesla Model 3, which holds third place with 26,028 registrations.
These cumulative figures suggest that while Tesla’s momentum may have cooled in April, the Model Y continues to resonate with European buyers.
Europe’s Broader EV Market Accelerates
The overall European BEV market is seeing significant growth. April alone recorded 186,827 BEV registrations, continuing a four-month streak of double-digit growth in 2025. For the year to date, BEV deliveries have climbed to 765,820 units—up 27.9% compared to the same period in 2024.
Germany leads the charge with nearly a quarter of all BEV registrations, followed by France and the UK. Tesla’s continued relevance in these major markets will be key to maintaining its lead, especially as competition intensifies from VW Group, Renault, and emerging Chinese automakers.
Outlook for Tesla in Europe
Tesla faces mounting pressure in Europe from a wave of new electric models and increased local production from legacy automakers. Additionally, Musk’s vocal political stances and public endorsement of President Donald Trump have drawn criticism from some consumers, leading to boycotts and waning brand loyalty throughout Europe.
While April’s dip signals a need to monitor Model Y performance closely, Tesla’s cumulative dominance highlights its sustained appeal, and the Model Y’s appeal as the best-selling car in the world. The question is whether the introduction of the updated Model Y can sustain that lead in Europe through the end of the year, a region where Musk has admitted the company is experiencing demand issues.
