Recovery in Europe and China lifts Tesla global sales 24.9% to 480,126

2026-07-02

Tesla global sales rise 24.9%

U.S. electric vehicle maker Tesla said on the 2nd that its global sales in April-June 2026 rose 24.9% from a year earlier to 480,126 vehicles. A rebound from boycott campaigns in Europe and other regions a year earlier, along with higher gasoline prices due to the prolonged conflict in the Middle East, boosted demand for EVs.

Recovery in Europe and China

The double-digit increase from a year earlier was the first since October-December 2023, about two and a half years ago. It was also the second straight quarter of growth. Tesla does not disclose sales by region, but recovery advanced in China and Europe.

According to the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA), sales in May of Tesla's mainstay 'Model Y' and 'Model 3', produced at its Shanghai plant and including exports, rose 39.4% from a year earlier to 85,982 units, increasing for the seventh straight month. Sales for April-May combined also climbed 37.7% to 165,460 units. Higher exports from China to Europe were also a factor.

According to the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA), Tesla's sales in April-May in 31 major European countries totaled 30,936 vehicles, doubling from a year earlier. In Europe, Tesla CEO Elon Musk, who briefly joined the Trump administration in 2025, made remarks supporting far-right parties, and boycott campaigns continued. In addition to the rebound from last year's slump, higher gasoline prices tied to the Middle East conflict also gave EVs a tailwind.

Hybrid vehicles dominate in the U.S.

Meanwhile, sales continue to lag in the U.S., which accounts for 30% of the total. According to estimates from U.S. research firm Cox Automotive, Tesla's U.S. sales in April-June fell 20% from a year earlier to 114,629 vehicles. The decline was also heavily affected by a rebound from front-loaded demand a year earlier, when consumers rushed to buy ahead of expected price hikes before tariffs took effect.

In the U.S., hybrid vehicles (HV), which offer longer driving range and are easier to keep affordable, are preferred. For higher-priced EVs, more consumers buy used vehicles than new ones. Cox estimates showed U.S. new-EV sales in April-June fell 22% from a year earlier, while used-EV sales rose 29%.

Chinese rival BYD said by the 2nd that its passenger EV sales in April-June fell 8% from a year earlier to 557,090 vehicles. BYD's sales topped Tesla's for the first time in two quarters.

Enjoyed this article? Share it with your network!