Elon Musk's Politics Linked to Declining Tesla Sales Globally

April 2, 2025

Tesla has experienced a significant drop in sales worldwide, with a notable 13% decrease in deliveries during the first quarter of 2025. This slump is particularly conspicuous in countries that are typically strong markets for electric vehicles (EVs), including Norway, Denmark, France, the Netherlands, and Sweden. Experts suggest that the backlash against Elon Musk’s political actions may be a contributing factor.

Downward Trend in Key Markets

Despite Norway being a leader in EV adoption—where electric vehicles make up over 90% of new car sales—Tesla’s sales there have fallen by more than 12% this year. The company managed to deliver approximately 337,000 cars globally in the first quarter of 2025, down from 387,000 during the same period in 2024. This marks the lowest sales figures for Tesla since the second quarter of 2022. The decline is alarming given the overall growth in the electric vehicle market. Tesla’s challenges come at a time when many competitors are seeing robust sales, highlighting issues that the company must address.

Consumer Backlash Against Musk

One of the key factors impacting Tesla’s performance seems to be increased scrutiny and backlash against CEO Elon Musk. His vocal support for right-wing political stances and his involvement with the Trump administration have raised concerns among certain consumer groups. These political affiliations appear to be influencing public perception and consumer choices, particularly in markets characterized by strong EV support and environmental awareness.

Geir Rognlien Elgvin, an urban planner in Oslo and a longtime Tesla customer, shared his sentiments regarding the company's shift in branding. Once seen as a leader in clean technology and renewable energy, Musk's recent political associations have altered the perception for some potential buyers.

The Road Ahead for Tesla

As Tesla navigates through these challenging times, the company will need to find strategies to regain consumer trust and solidify its market position. The current decline in sales serves as a wake-up call, prompting questions about the future of its leadership and company values. Stakeholders and analysts will be watching closely in the coming months as Tesla attempts to rebound in a rapidly changing electric vehicle landscape.

With competition in the EV sector heating up and public sentiment becoming increasingly influential, Tesla's path forward will require careful consideration of both market dynamics and the opinions of consumers worldwide.