Summary
Tesla’s European sales are plummeting, with Germany seeing a 60% drop despite strong EV growth. Similar declines hit Norway, Sweden, and France.
While some blame the Osborne effect—buyers delaying purchases for a refreshed Model Y—Musk’s endorsement of Germany’s far-right AfD may also be repelling customers.
Online backlash has linked Tesla to fascist imagery. In contrast, UK sales fell only 7.8%, suggesting political factors play a role.
With strong domestic EV competition in Europe, Tesla’s reputation crisis could further hurt demand.
The door handles are just fucking dumb… and on the inside the door release is a… button? Why?
To give the car time to lower the window a few millimeters and avoid damaging the seal. Plus someone probably thought it would look cool or something. There’s a manual release in case the car loses power, or something breaks.
It’s not unique to Teslas either, a few other cars have done the same thing.
A button which requires the car’s power to be working.
Don’t worry, there is an emergency release! It takes a little while to get to, so I hope the burning Tesla you’re trapped inside doesn’t burn too quickly.
“Give me a lever long enough, and a place to stand, and I will move the earth” - 287-212 BC
“Just give me a damn lever” - 2025