February 13, 2026 — The Tesla Model Y emerged as Europe’s top-selling electric vehicle in 2025, maintaining its leading position among all EV models despite facing a year of production transitions, increased competition, and negative sentiment surrounding its CEO, Elon Musk.
Model Y’s Enduring Popularity in Europe
Despite a 28% year-over-year decline in registrations, the Model Y secured its top spot with 149,805 units sold across Europe. This performance is particularly noteworthy considering Tesla’s mid-year transition to an updated Model Y, which temporarily impacted production and deliveries in several European markets. Furthermore, anti-Elon Musk sentiments reportedly spread across various European countries, linked to his association with then-U.S. President Donald Trump.
Key Competitors and Market Dynamics
The Model Y’s closest rival was the newly launched Skoda Elroq, which garnered 93,870 registrations. The Tesla Model 3 followed with 85,393 units, also experiencing a 24% year-over-year decline. Renault’s new electric Renault 5 secured fourth place with 85,101 registrations. Other notable performers included models from Volkswagen, such as the ID.4, ID.3, and ID.7, alongside the BMW iX1 and Kia EV3, many of which saw substantial growth following their partial launches in 2024.
Volkswagen Overtakes Tesla in Brand Rankings
While the Model Y led individual model sales, Volkswagen Group surpassed Tesla to become the top-selling EV brand in Europe for 2025. Volkswagen reported 274,278 electric vehicle deliveries in the region, marking a 56% increase, largely driven by the Volkswagen ID.7. In contrast, Tesla sold 236,357 electric vehicles, a decrease of 27% compared to the previous year. JATO Dynamics observed that Tesla’s relatively small and aging model lineup is facing intense competition from established European automakers and an increasing number of Chinese manufacturers.
Sustained Dominance Amidst Shifting Landscape
Despite these market shifts and intensified competition, the Tesla Model Y’s significant lead underscores its continued dominance in Europe’s rapidly evolving electric vehicle sector.
