Below is a combined analysis drawn from both the January 2024 Europe-wide registration data (covering all vehicles and 14 European countries) and EV-focused report and the January 2025 Europe-wide registration data and EV-focused report. The main focus here is on Tesla’s sales and whether it was the only major brand experiencing a decline.
1. Tesla’s Position in January 2025 Sales Volume: The article states that Tesla sold 4,153 EVs in January 2025 across the 14 countries analyzed, placing it third overall (behind Volkswagen and Kia). Comparatively Low Month: The piece notes this is “one of its rare months with sales below 10,000,” suggesting Tesla’s performance in January 2025 was weaker than many of its previous months in Europe. Why the Drop?
Overall EV Market Contraction
The total EV market in these 14 countries declined significantly from 108,338 units in January 2024 to 65,139 units in January 2025—a reduction of over 40,000 units. With fewer EVs being sold overall, Tesla’s numbers dropped along with the market.
Seasonal and Calendar Factors
The Chinese Lunar New Year in 2025 (likely occurring in late January) impacted shipping/logistics for many EV brands, including Tesla’s imports from China. Economic or macro conditions in Europe may have also contributed, as the article highlights that many EV buyers are hesitating and manufacturers are pivoting to hybrids or smaller battery vehicles. 2. Are Other Major Brands Also Seeing a Decline?
The short answer: No, Tesla is not the only major player that saw a drop. Several brands—both Chinese and established European—experienced declines compared to their earlier periods. Here are a few examples:
MG
A popular Chinese brand in 2024, MG sold 4,340 units in January 2024 and even hit 6,114 units in February 2024 across these European countries. In January 2025, MG sold only 1,178 units. That is a substantial drop year-over-year.
Volkswagen
While VW topped the chart in January 2025 with 7,859 units, the article calls it “a weaker result compared to previous months.” So, even though they led in absolute sales, VW also registered a sharp decline from its typical levels.
NIO
Another Chinese EV maker; it sold just 31 units in January 2025, a notable drop compared to its total 2024 European sales of 1,598 units (itself already down 32.4% from 2023).
Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Others
Some German premium brands like Mercedes-Benz and BMW do show decent sales volumes in January 2025, but these are still below their typical monthly highs from the previous year (based on anecdotal remarks in the article about a general EV market slowdown).
In addition, the entire market in many key countries (Germany, France, Sweden, Italy, Switzerland, Portugal, Austria, Finland, Ireland) shrank, sometimes by over 50%. This widespread contraction means numerous brands are selling fewer vehicles than they did in stronger months, especially in early 2024.
3. Key Takeaways for Tesla Not Alone in Decline: Tesla’s January 2025 slump is part of a broader downturn in the European EV sector. Brands like MG, NIO, and even Volkswagen (relative to their norms) have also experienced drops. Still Among the Leaders: Despite the reduced volume (4,153 units), Tesla ranks third in these 14 countries, indicating it remains a top EV contender. Seasonality and Shipping: Tesla’s production and delivery waves can cause month-to-month fluctuations. Combined with the Lunar New Year timing in 2025, it’s not surprising to see a dip early in the year.
Conclusion: While Tesla’s January 2025 sales are notably lower than usual, it is not the only brand experiencing weaker results. Several major players—and especially Chinese brands—have also been hit by the overall contraction in Europe’s EV market for January 2025.
14 key European countries 电厂销售 1月 2025:65,139 2024: 108,338
January 2025 saw a stark decline in electric car sales across 14 prominent European countries, with total sales dropping to 65,139 units. This was a significant drop from the previous January’s figure of 108,338 units, a decline exceeding 43,000 vehicles.
Below is a combined analysis drawn from both the January 2024 Europe-wide registration data (covering all vehicles and 14 European countries) and EV-focused report and the January 2025 Europe-wide registration data and EV-focused report. The main focus here is on Tesla’s sales and whether it was the only major brand experiencing a decline.
1. Tesla’s Position in January 2025 Sales Volume: The article states that Tesla sold 4,153 EVs in January 2025 across the 14 countries analyzed, placing it third overall (behind Volkswagen and Kia). Comparatively Low Month: The piece notes this is “one of its rare months with sales below 10,000,” suggesting Tesla’s performance in January 2025 was weaker than many of its previous months in Europe. Why the Drop?Overall EV Market Contraction
The total EV market in these 14 countries declined significantly from 108,338 units in January 2024 to 65,139 units in January 2025—a reduction of over 40,000 units. With fewer EVs being sold overall, Tesla’s numbers dropped along with the market.Seasonal and Calendar Factors
The Chinese Lunar New Year in 2025 (likely occurring in late January) impacted shipping/logistics for many EV brands, including Tesla’s imports from China. Economic or macro conditions in Europe may have also contributed, as the article highlights that many EV buyers are hesitating and manufacturers are pivoting to hybrids or smaller battery vehicles. 2. Are Other Major Brands Also Seeing a Decline?The short answer: No, Tesla is not the only major player that saw a drop. Several brands—both Chinese and established European—experienced declines compared to their earlier periods. Here are a few examples:
MG
A popular Chinese brand in 2024, MG sold 4,340 units in January 2024 and even hit 6,114 units in February 2024 across these European countries. In January 2025, MG sold only 1,178 units. That is a substantial drop year-over-year.Volkswagen
While VW topped the chart in January 2025 with 7,859 units, the article calls it “a weaker result compared to previous months.” So, even though they led in absolute sales, VW also registered a sharp decline from its typical levels.NIO
Another Chinese EV maker; it sold just 31 units in January 2025, a notable drop compared to its total 2024 European sales of 1,598 units (itself already down 32.4% from 2023).Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Others
Some German premium brands like Mercedes-Benz and BMW do show decent sales volumes in January 2025, but these are still below their typical monthly highs from the previous year (based on anecdotal remarks in the article about a general EV market slowdown).In addition, the entire market in many key countries (Germany, France, Sweden, Italy, Switzerland, Portugal, Austria, Finland, Ireland) shrank, sometimes by over 50%. This widespread contraction means numerous brands are selling fewer vehicles than they did in stronger months, especially in early 2024.
3. Key Takeaways for Tesla Not Alone in Decline: Tesla’s January 2025 slump is part of a broader downturn in the European EV sector. Brands like MG, NIO, and even Volkswagen (relative to their norms) have also experienced drops. Still Among the Leaders: Despite the reduced volume (4,153 units), Tesla ranks third in these 14 countries, indicating it remains a top EV contender. Seasonality and Shipping: Tesla’s production and delivery waves can cause month-to-month fluctuations. Combined with the Lunar New Year timing in 2025, it’s not surprising to see a dip early in the year.Conclusion: While Tesla’s January 2025 sales are notably lower than usual, it is not the only brand experiencing weaker results. Several major players—and especially Chinese brands—have also been hit by the overall contraction in Europe’s EV market for January 2025.
January 2025 saw a stark decline in electric car sales across 14 prominent European countries, with total sales dropping to 65,139 units. This was a significant drop from the previous January’s figure of 108,338 units, a decline exceeding 43,000 vehicles.