Tesla delivered its 250,000th car in the UK in late March, reaching the milestone 11 years after introducing the Model S to the country.
The electric vehicle manufacturer hit the 200,000-car mark earlier in 2024 and has since delivered an additional 50,000 vehicles as it expands its UK market presence. According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, Tesla sold nearly 4,000 cars in February 2025 – a 21% increase year-on-year, capturing 4.6% of the new car market last month.
Its Model 3 and Model Y ranked as the second and third best-selling cars in the UK in February, just ahead of the updated Model Y launch.
While Tesla continues its strong UK performance, the company faces challenges elsewhere in Europe, with sales dropping by almost half last month.
Data from the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) reveals Tesla registrations fell 44% in February, even as overall EV sales increased across the region.
The figures, covering the EU, UK, Norway and Switzerland, show Tesla sold 16,888 vehicles, including 3,852 in the UK. Its market share dropped from 2.8% in February 2024 to 1.8% in February 2025.
Pure electric vehicle sales rose 24% overall during the same period, with competitors including Volkswagen, BYD and BMW experiencing significant delivery increases.
February marks the second consecutive month of decline for Tesla, following a 46% drop in January. The company currently faces multiple pressures.
Elon Musk’s involvement in the Trump administration and apparent support for Germany’s far-right Alternative for Deutschland has prompted consumer boycotts and protests outside US dealerships.
Increasing competition from rivals offering comparable performance and range is creating additional challenges for Tesla. Analysts also cite the company’s aging model lineup as consumers await the updated Model Y.
“Tesla is experiencing a period of immense change. In addition to Elon Musk’s increasingly active role in politics and the increased competition it is facing within the EV market, the brand is phasing out the existing version of the Model Y – its bestselling vehicle – before it rolls out the update,” said Felipe Munoz, a global analyst at JATO Dynamics.
“Brands like Tesla, which have a relatively limited model lineup, are particularly vulnerable to registration declines when undertaking a model changeover.”
