Tesla’s sales in the United States declined by almost 9 % in the first three months of the year, even when the total market of electric vehicles increased, according to data compiled by a research company.
Car buyers are removed from Teslas in models such as Chevrolet Equinox Ectrice Eclection by General Motors, which starts at about $ 35,000 and can travel over 300 miles in a charge, said Cox Automotive.
Sales of all electric vehicles in the United States increased by 11 % in the first quarter in about 300,000 cars and light trucks, Cox said much faster than the total car market, which was flat. About 8 % of new domestic car sales were electric, Cox said, a slight increase in 2024.
“Despite the many obstacles – and what you can read elsewhere – electric vehicles continue to grow at a healthy pace in the US market,” the company said.
Tesla, whose chief executive is Elon Musk, still sells much more electric cars in the United States than any other automaker, representing 44 % of the market, according to Cox. But its share has been reduced by 51 % in the previous year.
Tesla US sales decline reflects a global decline. The company said this month that traditions during the quarter in all markets decreased by 13 % to 337,000 vehicles.
Analysts attribute the decline in the selection of Tesla models. Bad sales of his newer, Cybertruck. Increasing competition; and Mr Musk’s embrace by President Trump and right policy, which led to protests in Tesla delegations and removed many buyers. Democrats and independent are more likely to buy electric vehicles from Republicans.
In addition, Cybertruck sales have not lived in Mr Musk’s screenings. Tesla sold 6,400 Cybertruck during the quarter, more than twice the previous year, when the company was still increasing production, but only half in the last three months of 2024.
Traditional car manufacturers were too late to offer electric vehicles that could compete with Tesla for technology and design, but have attracted. GM sold 10,300 equatorials in the quarter. The vehicle was not available one year earlier. GM brands, which also include Cadillac and GMC, represented 11 % of the market for electric vehicles during the quarter, from 6 % last year.
The Ford Mustang Mach-e was the best electric vehicle that was not Tesla, according to Cox. But sales of electric Mustang may suffer in the coming months. It is made in Mexico and is now subject to Mr Trump’s 25 % invoice to imported cars. This could force Ford to eventually increase the price of the car.
Mr Trump’s trade war is expected to have a lesser influence on Tesla because the company makes all the cars it sells to the United States in factories in California and Texas. But it will still be hurt. Tesla stopped accepting orders from Chinese customers for the model S and model X, the luxury vehicles that the company only makes in California, as China made great contributions to US Imports in retaliation for Mr Trump’s invoices.
Claire fu They contributed reports.
