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.
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.