Tesla’s new car sales in the UK fell by more than 45% year-on-year in May, according to preliminary data from research group New AutoMotive.

The company sold 1,758 units during the month, down from 3,244 units in May 2024.

Despite this decline, Tesla remains the best-selling battery electric vehicle (BEV) brand in Britain for the year to date.

New AutoMotive also reported that overall new car registrations in the UK rose by 4.3% in May, reaching 144,098 units.

BEV sales increased by 28% compared to the same month last year.

🔗 Source: Reuters

🧠 Food for thought

1️⃣ China’s EV makers are gaining significant ground in Europe’s shifting market

BYD’s doubling of UK sales to 1,388 units in May comes amid a broader European breakthrough for the Chinese manufacturer.

In April 2025, BYD outsold Tesla in Europe for the first time with 7,231 vehicles registered compared to Tesla’s 7,165 units 1.

This shift represents a dramatic 169% year-on-year increase for BYD while Tesla experienced a 49% decline during the same period 2.

The competitive landscape is transforming rapidly, with Tesla falling to 11th place in European EV rankings as BYD entered the top 10 for the first time 2.

European brands are also strengthening their positions, with Volkswagen leading the continental EV market with over 23,500 registrations and the Skoda Elroq emerging as Europe’s best-selling electric model 3.

2️⃣ UK’s electric vehicle market shows robust growth despite Tesla’s challenges

While Tesla’s sales dropped 45%, the overall UK battery electric vehicle market grew by 28% year-on-year, indicating broader EV adoption is continuing regardless of Tesla’s performance 4.

This growth pattern extends to the used EV market, with secondhand battery electric vehicles reaching a record 6.34% of all retail used car sales in May 2025 5.