Tesla’s downward trend in France shows no signs of slowing down. While the broader French auto market shrunk by 12.3% in May—with 123,919 new cars registered—Tesla’s performance was far worse than the national average.
In May 2025, the automaker registered just 721 new vehicles across the country. That represents a 67% drop compared to the same month last year, according to data from the French automotive industry group PFA.
Within the BEV segment, Tesla captured just 3.7% market share in May, with the Model Y accounting for 57% of registrations and the Model 3 making up another 41%. Other models made up the remaining 2%, if any. The sharp decline follows several months of poor performance, including a 59% drop in April and a 37% dip in March.
Tesla’s struggles in France are part of a broader trend affecting its European sales. Across Europe, the brand has been battling increased competition from legacy automakers and Chinese EV brands, many of which offer more affordable or newer models. Meanwhile, anti-Elon Musk sentiment has sparked protests and even vandalism at Tesla facilities in both France and other parts of Europe, further complicating the company’s reputation in the region.
In addition, French consumers are also navigating a tougher economic environment after a reduction in government EV incentives that took effect on March 1.
From January through May 2025, Tesla has sold just 3,579 vehicles in France, representing a 47% decline compared to the same period in 2024. That’s only 20% of the company’s total 2024 sales in France—suggesting Tesla may struggle to meet even half of last year’s volume if current trends continue.
Compared to the December–February period, sales over the past three months have declined by nearly 49%, indicating that the situation is worsening quarter-over-quarter.
France is not the only European country where Tesla is faltering. In 2025, Tesla sales are also down significantly in many markets across the region in 2025. CEO Elon Musk recently admitted that Europe is currently Tesla’s weakest market.
