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 were supposed to be more aerodynamic, but other manufacturers have solved the issue more elegantly.
We’re the four handles really adding that much drag? I can’t imagine.
Not that much, but definitely measurable. A Tesla competitor did some tests and they got a 1% range increase.
Replacing side mirrors with cameras also has a similar impact, but costs like 3.000 euros as an option.
So your choice of wheels has a bigger impact, but it’s not totally pointless. And cheap to do.
Traditional door handles actually reduce smug flow by 60% - the Tesla door handles produce a much more smugrodynamic profile.