Tesla Popularity Crashes in Germany 94% of Consumers Say They Won’t Buy
Tesla, once a dominant force in the electric vehicle (EV) market, is facing a massive backlash in Germany. A recent survey of over 100,000 Germans found that a staggering 94% of respondents have no interest in buying a Tesla. This sharp rejection comes at a time when Tesla’s sales in the country are already in free fall. With its market presence shrinking, the big question is: what’s causing Germans to turn away from Tesla in droves?
Germany has long been an essential market for Tesla, but the automaker has been struggling. In 2024, Tesla’s sales in the country dropped by 41% compared to 2023, even though overall EV sales surged by 27%. This was already a troubling sign, but things took a turn for the worse in 2025. In just the first two months of the year, Tesla’s sales nosedived by a shocking 70%, making its previous struggles look mild in comparison.
Industry analysts attribute this sharp decline to multiple factors, including increasing competition from European automakers, Tesla’s handling of its Model Y transition, and a significant shift in consumer sentiment. However, one of the biggest reasons behind Tesla’s downturn appears to be CEO Elon Musk himself.
A Reputation in Freefall
Elon Musk has always been a polarizing figure, but his recent actions have seriously damaged Tesla’s reputation in Germany. The controversy started when Musk began publicly engaging in Germany’s political landscape, particularly by showing support for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party.
Musk’s alleged political meddling has not gone unnoticed, as European authorities have launched an investigation into his actions. His reputation in Germany took a further hit following highly controversial gestures and social media posts promoting extremist ideologies. Given that only 20% of German voters support AfD, Tesla has found itself alienating a vast majority of potential buyers.
Even more troubling for Tesla is the fact that AfD itself has not been particularly friendly toward the company. The party has actively opposed Tesla’s expansion in Germany, running campaigns against the automaker. With political controversy swirling, many Germans appear to be distancing themselves from Tesla—not just as a company but as a brand associated with Musk’s divisive politics.
A new survey conducted by T-Online, one of Germany’s largest online news platforms, underscores Tesla’s struggles. When asked about their interest in purchasing a Tesla vehicle, only 3% of respondents said they would consider buying one. The remaining 94% made it clear they wouldn’t touch the brand.
This level of rejection is unprecedented for a company that was once seen as a pioneer in the EV industry. For Tesla, which has been counting on strong European sales to maintain its growth, the message from German consumers couldn’t be clearer: they are moving on.
Can Tesla Reverse the Trend?
Some Tesla shareholders are holding out hope that the upcoming version of the Model Y will help turn things around. However, the current survey results suggest that the issue goes beyond just one model. Sales of Tesla’s Model 3 have also plummeted in Germany, reinforcing the idea that the brand itself is losing appeal.
Tesla’s current situation in Germany is reminiscent of its early days in 2015 when the brand was relatively unknown. However, there is a key difference—back then, people simply didn’t know about Tesla, whereas today, consumers are actively choosing to avoid it.
With an increasing number of alternative EVs available, Germans are proving that their shift toward electric mobility is continuing, just without Tesla. Established automakers like Volkswagen, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz are expanding their EV offerings, providing consumers with more choices than ever before. Unlike Tesla, these brands don’t carry the political baggage that Musk has attached to his company.
With German consumers turning their backs on Tesla, the company may need to reconsider its approach in the country. It might have to scale back its operations or focus on rebranding efforts to repair the damage done to its reputation. However, regaining consumer trust will not be an easy task.
For now, the numbers don’t lie. Tesla’s sales decline, combined with a growing public rejection of the brand, suggests that the company has an uphill battle ahead in Germany. Whether it can recover remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the German EV market is moving forward—with or without Tesla.
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