volkswagen edges past tesla in european ev race
Europa, donderdag, 5 februari 2026.
volkswagen has surpassed tesla as europe’s best-selling electric vehicle brand in 2025. new data shows volkswagen sold 274,278 battery electric vehicles across europe, ahead of tesla’s 236,357. this shift marks a turning point, driven by volkswagen’s 56% sales surge, led by strong demand for its id.7 model. in contrast, tesla deliveries fell 27%. the change underscores intensifying competition in europe, where chinese rival byd previously overtook tesla globally. despite the drop, tesla’s model y remained the continent’s most registered car. evolving consumer preferences and geopolitical factors add pressure to the changing landscape.
volkswagen takes lead in european ev sales
Volkswagen sold 274,278 battery electric vehicles (BEVs) in Europe during 2025, surpassing Tesla’s 236,357 units [1]. This marked the first time Volkswagen claimed the top position in annual EV sales on the continent. The achievement reflects shifting dynamics in the competitive European market. Strong demand for new models contributed significantly to this outcome. The data comes from automotive analyst firm JATO Dynamics [2].
growth fueled by expanded product line
Sales of Volkswagen’s electric vehicles rose 56% in 2025 compared to 2024 [1]. This significant increase was largely driven by robust demand for the ID.7 sedan [3]. The broader model range gave Volkswagen an edge over competitors with limited offerings. Consumers responded positively to the variety and practicality of available options. This expansion strategy effectively captured growing market interest in electrification [4].
tesla faces declining registrations
Tesla’s vehicle registrations in Europe decreased by 27% year-on-year during 2025 [1]. The Model 3 and Model Y both experienced notable sales drops of 24% and 28% respectively [5]. Analysts attribute this decline partly to an aging product lineup [1]. Increased competition from established European manufacturers added further pressure. Political controversies surrounding CEO Elon Musk also impacted consumer sentiment negatively in the region [1].
broader trends in european mobility
Fully electric car registrations in Europe jumped by 29% in 2025 compared to the prior year [1]. Overall car registrations grew modestly at 2.3% [1]. Mild hybrid sales rose 16%, while plug-in hybrid registrations increased by 34% [5]. Conventional internal combustion engine vehicles declined by 20% [5]. These shifts indicate accelerating adoption of electrified powertrains across the continent amidst tightening emissions regulations [5].
global implications for ev makers
Tesla lost its global EV sales leadership to BYD in 2024 before ceding ground to Volkswagen in Europe during 2025 [1]. This sequential loss of market dominance highlights increasing competitive pressures beyond North America [3]. Traditional automakers are leveraging existing dealer networks and diversified portfolios. Meanwhile, Chinese manufacturers continue expanding their presence in European markets. These developments suggest a fragmented future for regional EV leadership [6].