Major declines in sales were reported in France, Sweden, Denmark, and Holland.
However, Tesla sales have rebounded in countries like Norway, Spain, Portugal, and Italy.
The EV leader is facing increased competition from Chinese brands in Europe.
Tesla will release its first-quarter sales figures later today, but before that happens, we already have some key sales data from several countries across Europe. It does not paint a pretty picture for the electric automaker that’s been struggling since Elon Musk became President Donald Trump’s right-hand man in the Oval Office.
According to the latest data, Tesla sold 3,157 new vehicles in France this March, a sharp 36.83% drop compared to the same time last year. It’s even worse in Sweden, where sales plummeted by 63.9% to just 911 units. Denmark saw a 65.5% decline (down to 595 cars), while the Netherlands reported a 61% drop, with 1,536 Teslas sold.
These figures are important because the all-new Model Y has been available in most European markets since February 21, but it doesn’t appear to have reversed Tesla’s fortunes, at least not yet. Sales may start to climb once the public becomes more familiar with the new Model Y and get the opportunity to see it in the flesh.
Tesla is doing a little better in Norway. While the 2,211 models sold locally in March was down 1% from March last year, it was up significantly from January and February, when 1,606 Teslas found new homes. The Model Y was easily Norway’s best-selling new car in March, shifting 1,822 units, compared to the Nissan Ariya in second with 569 units sold.
Similarly, Tesla’s fortunes are also changing for the better in Spain, Portugal, and Italy, with sales climbing by 34.3%, 2.1%, and 51.3%, respectively, as reported by Reuters. Despite these gains, weak figures from January and February still mean quarterly sales are down in all three markets from Q1 2024.
Of course, it’s not just Musk’s involvement in US and European politics that has diminished the sentiment in the brand among some shoppers. In Europe, a growing number of Chinese car manufacturers are entering the market with competitively priced vehicles, despite tariffs placed against them.
The force of the impact has ripped off one of the Model Y’s front wheels.
While the bodywork has seen better days, the Launch Edition still turns on.
This appears to be one of the first 2026 Model Y Juniper’s wrecked in the US.
The first US deliveries of the revamped Tesla Model Y ‘Juniper’ in Launch Edition trim only kicked off earlier this month, and already, one has met an untimely end in a crash. While it’s unclear whether the driver of this particular Model Y was responsible for the havoc it now finds itself in, there’s probably not much point in trying to rescue it. If anything, it might be better off as a donor car for parts.
The electric vehicle is up for sale at Copart’s Houston, Texas, facility, which suggests it may never have strayed far from its birthplace in the Lone Star State. The driver’s side of the Model Y still looks spotless, but the same can’t be said for the passenger side, which is an absolute mess.
Major Damage
One of the Tesla’s front wheels has been torn off, complete with the hub, brake caliper, and brake disc, only leaving behind some suspension arms. The front quarter panel has also been destroyed and is covered in deep dents and scratches. Additionally, the front door has been ruined, as has the wing mirror.
Listings like this never provide details about how a vehicle ended up in such a sorry state, but it’s safe to assume this Model Y took a hefty hit because ripping off a wheel and hub like this doesn’t happen in a minor fender bender. Curiously, the impact does not appear to have triggered any of the Model Y’s airbags, which is a bit of a head-scratcher.
Photos Copart
On the bright side, the cabin appears to be in decent shape, although it could do with a thorough cleaning. A look at the car’s infotainment screen reveals it has just 197 miles (317 km) under its belt and was fitted with Full Self-Driving, which comes as standard on all Launch Edition trims.
The listing also confirms that the EV still powers on, which suggests that the battery pack and electric motors might have come through the crash relatively unscathed.
So, if you had the money to pick up this wrecked Model Y, would you try your hand at fixing it and getting it back on the road, or would you strip it for parts and make some cash off the more valuable components?
So, if you had the cash to pick up this wrecked Model Y, would you attempt to repair it and get it back on the road, or would you strip it for parts and cash in on some of the pricier components? And just for kicks, how much do you think this thing is worth in its current state—keep in mind, the original MSRP was $59,990?
Up until now, the Model Y Juniper has only been available in the Launch Edition in the USA.
However, inventory of the pre-facelift Model Y is quickly dwindling, with very few still on sale.
Tesla is likely preparing to release the “normal” versions of the updated Model Y in the States.
Time is running out for anyone still holding out for the outgoing version of the Model Y—whether it’s for its looks or the eye-popping discounts that stretch to nearly $9,000. Tesla still has a few left, but as of now, there are fewer than 50 available across the US, signaling that the normal Model Y Juniper is likely just around the corner. Of course, that number’s been fluctuating since the weekend, bouncing between 40 and 190, so don’t get too comfortable yet.
Early adopters have already had a taste of the Model Y Juniper, but it’s been limited to the Launch Edition trim so far. And as you’d expect from something called “Launch Edition,” it’s not cheap. The base price of this version is $59,990. You’re paying a premium for all the extras—think special paint colors and the $7,500 Full Self-Driving option, which is bundled in at no extra charge. But hey, at least you get all the bells and whistles.
Elsewhere in the world, the “normal” versions of the updated Model Y are already on sale. In the US, though, Model Y buyers have just two options: they can pay more for the fully-loaded Juniper Launch Edition, or snap up one of the old versions still lingering in Tesla’s inventory, since orders for the pre-facelift model are no longer being accepted.
According to Tesla-Info, there are just 43 pre-facelift cars left in the country and, logically, Tesla should be getting ready to launch the “normal” Model Y Juniper. No doubt, interested buyers will be happy about the news.
The updated Model Y is significantly nipped and tucked compared to the outgoing one. The footprint is nearly identical, but the exterior styling is dramatically different. The new car takes on much the same lighting design as the Cybertruck and the curves are a touch sleeker. The cabin has also been updated with higher-quality materials, more screens, LEDs, new ventilated front seats and more.
That said, if you’re still holding out for a deal on the older version, time is running short. As of now, there are no Standard Range versions left, but there are still 10 Long Range AWD models and 33 Performance variants scattered across the country, with discounts ranging from $1,610 to $8,750.
As we’ve pointed out before, the old 470 hp Model Y Performance is incredibly fast and very practical. And, for as little as $32K—if you qualify for the $7,500 federal tax credit, plus any additional state-level EV incentives—it’s essentially a steal for what you’re getting. So, if you’re on the fence, now might be the time to snag one before they’re gone, unless you absolutely have your heart set on the Juniper.
Chinese-owned brands outperformed Tesla in the European car market in February.
Tesla registered 15,700 EVs last month compared with 19,800 for Chinese brands.
BYD, Polestar and XPeng all gained ground in Europe while Tesla lost market share.
What a difference a year makes. Rewind the clock to early 2024 and Tesla’s European arm was basking in the glory of becoming the best-selling electric brand in the region for the whole of 2023, and the first company to put an EV – the Model Y – on top of the the overall sales chart.
Now, fresh sales data from 28 key markets, including the EU, the UK, Norway, and Switzerland, shows that not only are Tesla’s sales down, but the American EV brand is also being collectively outperformed by Chinese-owned automakers.
Figures from Jato Dynamics reveal Tesla sold 15,700 cars in February 2025, down from 28,100 a year earlier, a drop of 44 percent against an EV market that was up by 26 percent to 164,100 units. Chinese-owned brands clocked up 19,800 sales this February, throwing serious shade in Tesla’s direction and leaving us in no doubt that China is making serious inroads into the European car market. And it’s only just started.
Tesla’s Market Share Takes a Hit
Tesla’s poor performance cut its market share to 9.6 percent, its worst February showing for five years, and the automaker’s year-to-date market share is down from 18.4 percent to 7.7 percent compared with 2024’s numbers. One partial explanation for that is the arrival of the facelifted Model Y ‘Juniper,’ which was revealed in January of this year, but wasn’t immediately available in Europe. It’s only natural that buyers would want to wait for the new-look SUV.
Model Y sales fell 56 percent to 8,800 units, while Model 3 sales fell by a less extreme (but still worrying) 14 percent to 6,800 units, which Jato says indicates Tesla’s overall slide is less to do with anti-Elon Musk sentiment than the imminent arrival of the the new Y.
EV Sales by Brand, Feb 25
#
Brand
Sales Feb-25
VS Feb-24
1
Volkswagen
19,565
+180%
2
Tesla
15,737
-44%
3
BMW
13,475
+20%
4
Audi
9,868
+70%
5
Renault
9,387
+96%
6
Kia
8,153
+56%
7
Mercedes
7,363
+5%
8
Peugeot
7,200
+1%
9
Skoda
6,922
+63%
10
Volvo
6,656
-30%
11
Hyundai
6,528
+47%
12
Citroen
6,202
+190%
13
Cupra
5,861
+179%
14
Mini
5,123
+804%
15
BYD
4,436
+94%
16
Opel/Vauxhall
3,772
+57%
17
Ford
3,339
+146%
18
Dacia
2,934
+7%
19
Toyota
2,566
+52%
20
Porsche
2,521
+459%
21
Polestar
2,405
+84%
22
MG
2,260
-67%
23
Nissan
2,205
+24%
24
Fiat
2,013
-47%
25
Xpeng
1,034
+259%
Data: Jato Dynamics
SWIPE
VW, Chinese Brands, and the New Wave
Whether the new model can fully reverse the slide remains to be seen, but we doubt it. The Juniper changes aren’t that comprehensive and Chinese brands (and legacy Western ones) are only increasing their attack on Tesla. BYD’s sales grew 94 percent to 4,436, Polestar was up 84 percent to 2,405, and newcomer XPeng logged 1,034 sales, representing an increase of 259 percent from February 2024.
The best-performing brand in terms of EV sales, however, was VW, whose registrations boomed 180 percent to 19,600. The German brand’s ID.4 was the third-best-selling EV behind the Model 3 and Model Y, and VW,’s ID.7 and ID.3 were in fifth and sixth spot, separated from the ID.4 by Renault’s Car of the Year-winning 5.
Sources say the new EV will be a smaller Model Y, with mass production starting in 2026.
Local rivals like BYD are eroding Tesla’s market share, prompting a new affordable model.
The new electric car will reportedly be produced in China, Europe as well as the USA.
Not too long ago, Tesla enjoyed near-total dominance over China’s rapidly growing EV market. But with local competitors like BYD quickly rising to global prominence, the American brand now finds itself in a race against increasingly formidable rivals, all of whom are steadily eroding its market share. In response, Tesla is reportedly working on a more affordable version of the current Model Y.
Last year, Tesla set a new record by selling over 657,000 vehicles in China. However, sales have stagnated in early 2025, and a cheaper model could be just what the company needs to regain momentum. According to reports, this new version will be based on the “Juniper” iteration of the Model Y, though some details remain unclear.
Chinese site 36KR suggests that this new EV is being developed through a “depop” process—basically a streamlined approach aimed at quickly launching new models with minimal modifications. Meanwhile, Reuterscites three sources familiar with the matter who spoke on the condition of anonymity, as the project is still confidential. According to them, the vehicle is being developed under the project codename “E41” and will be built on existing production lines, with mass production set to begin in 2026.
Base Model Y Or Smaller Model Y?
Reports from China indicate that the base Model Y will be a simpler version, similar to the budget Model 3 Tesla launched in Mexico last year—sacrificing features like vegan leather for cloth seats, removing the second-row touchscreen, and omitting ambient lighting for a roughly $4,000 discount.
However, Reuters’ sources indicate that this new Model Y-based EV will actually be smaller and cost at least 20% less to produce compared to the refreshed version of the crossover, which starts at 263,500 yuan (about $36,500 at current exchange rates) in China.
This cheaper, downsized Model Y may be one of the “more affordable” models Tesla said it was developing back in January. At the time, it said these new models will use aspects of both its next-generation and current platforms.
Made In China, Europe And The US
According to the same inside sources, the cheaper, smaller Model Y-based EV will primarily be targeted for the Chinese market to help Tesla maintain its market share. However, the car will also be produced for Europe and North America ,though there’s no clear timeline for when it will reach those markets.
Despite the competition, the 2025 Model Y appears to be doing well in China. Local reports suggest that Tesla has already received more than 200,000 pre-orders for the electric SUV, and deliveries have already begun.
The Tesla Model Y remains one of the world’s most popular cars for many reasons.
In some states, it’s already relatively low price gets even better thanks to incentives.
The Performance, available for as little as $32,000, hits 60 mph in around 3.5 seconds.
Tesla is currently transitioning to its updated Model Y Juniper, but for now, the $59,990 Limited Edition of the refreshed crossover is the only option available in the United States. However, many pre-facelift models are lingering in stock, including several of the top-tier Model Y Performance trims. To clear out this inventory, Tesla is offering some huge discounts, and the deals are surprisingly good. In fact, in some states with additional incentives, you can snag one for under $33,000.
Before you click “Buy,” keep in mind that the updated Model Y offers several key improvements over the first generation. Beyond cosmetic changes like a new front and rear design, it features reduced noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH), a revamped suspension to address earlier complaints, and upgraded interior materials. Plus, a new Model Y Performance version is on the way.
Looking at Europe and China, where the standard versions of the new Model Y Juniper are already available, we expect the updated version to launch in the next month or so at a similar price point (without any discounts in the beginning) to the current model. Something to consider if you’re eyeing the older model.
Nearly $20,000 Off—With Some Catch
Right now, the brand has several Model Y Performance examples in stock and these aren’t cars that have been sitting around for a year or more. Most are 2025 model year cars and Tesla has hacked up to $8,000 off the price in some cases.
Stack on that the $7,500 federal tax credit and additional discounts available in states like Colorado ($3,850), Illinois ($4,000), New Jersey ($2,000), Vermont ($2,500), Massachusetts ($3,500) and others, and you’re looking at just shy of $20,000 off the MSRP of $51,490. That means this car can be yours for less than $33,000 before taxes and delivery fees, an absolute steal. Plus, with Tesla’s direct-sales model, there’s no haggling—just a simple press of a button.
To put that into perspective, that’s around the price of a near-base compact SUV. For example, the base 2025 Subaru Forester starts at $29,995, with the next trim, the Premium, starting at $32,310.
Keep in mind that Tesla’s Model Y Performance, believed to produce around 470 hp, can rocket from 0-60 mph (96 km/h) in 3.5 seconds with a rollout. That’s quicker than a new Ford Mustang Dark Horse, a Toyota Supra, a Porsche 911 Carrera and only 0.1 seconds slower than the Aston Martin Vantage. We’re talking about bonafide speed at what is essentially the price of a base Honda CR-V. There’s little question which is more fun to drive.
Not Just Speed. It’s Practical, Too
At the same time, it’s not as if this is some one-trick pony. The Model Y Performance offers a claimed 277 miles of range, five seats (or optionally seven for two very small kids), up to 76 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded down. That’s as much space for gear as some three-row SUVs. Furthermore, it also comes with a solid list of standard kit, including vegan leather, 21-inch wheels, and a full safety suite.
Of course, all of this comes with a caveat. Right now, anything related to Tesla—whether it’s owners, stores, or Supercharger stations—is under fire from several directions. To be clear, none of this is the fault of the owners, but it’s still something to keep in mind. At least, in this case, they can outrun just about anyone who might try to chase them down to slap a sticker on their car.
The revamped Model Y will continue to regenerate power when the brake pedal is pressed.
Tesla says the update means the brake pedal no longer moves by itself when Autopilot is on.
Drivers can choose Reduced and Standard settings, but the energy recouped stays the same.
While one could easily confuse the 2026 Tesla Model Y as simply being a cosmetic facelift, the changes made to the world’s best-selling EV are much more than skin deep. Not only has Tesla overhauled the SUV’s interior, but it’ also implemented important hardware and software updates, and as the model gets closer to landing in American garages, the brand has detailed one of the biggest changes.
One of the most notable updates is the introduction of a new braking system that blends regenerative and hydraulic braking. As reported by Driveteslacanada, the system incorporates two independent hydraulic brake circuits: one controlled electronically by the vehicle’s onboard driving system, and another for direct driver input.
Tesla claims that the transition between regenerative and hydraulic braking is now seamless, which could change the driving experience—if they’re right.
The Return of Flexible Regenerative Braking
Like most other EVs, the Model Y’s regenerative braking activates the moment the driver lifts off the accelerator. Previously, Tesla offered two settings for this function, called Normal and Low. However, the Low setting was eventually dropped, as it had a negative impact on range and accelerated tire wear.
With the 2026 Model Y, Tesla is reintroducing more flexibility. Now, drivers can choose between Reduced and Standard regenerative braking modes, which adjust the speed at which the car decelerates once you release the accelerator. But it’s not just about offering more options.
A Smarter Approach to Braking
Unlike other Tesla models, which immediately engage mechanical brakes when the pedal is pressed, the new Model Y takes a more nuanced approach. When you press the brake pedal, the car decides whether to keep using regenerative braking or engage the physical brakes, depending on how firmly you push down. This approach aims to maximize efficiency and improve the overall stability of the vehicle’s braking performance.
Brake system in New Model Y has the freedom to use either electric motor or mechanical brake when you push the brake pedal
This brings you maximum efficiency, consistency in pedal behavior & improved stability pic.twitter.com/rIwOUxwpXU
For drivers not accustomed to “one-pedal driving” or who just prefer gentler regenerative braking, the Reduced mode should feel more comfortable. Interestingly, in this setting, Tesla says the Model Y still captures as much energy as it would in the Standard mode when the brake pedal is applied.
Autopilot and the No-Pedal Brake
Another added benefit is how the braking system interacts with Tesla’s Autopilot. When Autopilot is engaged and the car needs to slow down, the brake pedal will now remain stationary. Many other cars on the market work in the same way, but this is the first time a Tesla has done this. Is it revolutionary? No, but it is an update that should be welcomed by customers, even though the carmaker seems to have fewer and fewer of them nowadays.
Tesla sales marked a significant decline in Norway since the beginning of the year.
The company sold 1,606 cars in January and February, down from 2,887 in 2024.
Meanwhile, Norway’s passenger car sales grew by 46.3%, and EV sales by 53.4%.
For years, Tesla has dominated Norway’s EV market, but early 2025 sales figures suggest that grip is weaking. In the first two months of the year, Tesla’s sales in Norway plummeted by 44.4% compared to the same period in 2024. Meanwhile, the overall EV market surged by 53.4%, now accounting for a staggering 96% of all new passenger cars sold in the country.
With 1,606 units sold in January and February, down from 2,887 last year, Tesla has dropped to third place among Norway’s best-selling brands, trailing behind Volkswagen and even Toyota which only sells one EV, the bZ4X. That’s a sharp contrast from its full-year 2024 performance, when Tesla moved 24,259 cars and claimed an 18.9% market share.
Norway’s EV Market Grows, But Tesla Shrinks
According to data from the Norwegian Road Traffic Information Council, overall passenger car sales including EVs and ICE models jumped 46.3% (18,292 units) in the first two months of 2025. Zero-emission vehicles saw an even bigger boost, climbing 53.4% (17,443 units). This reinforces Norway’s status as a global leader in EV adoption, yet Tesla isn’t reaping the benefits.
The Top-Selling Brands and Models
Volkswagen currently holds the top spot in Norway’s EV market, delivering 3,222 vehicles in January and February, an astonishing 224.1% increase over the same period in 2024. Toyota follows with 2,102 units sold (+97.6%), while Tesla, now in third place, saw its sales drop to 1,606 (-44.4%). Rounding out the top five are Nissan with 1,186 units (+31.3%) and BMW with 1,134 units (+113.6%).
When it comes to individual models, Toyota’s bZ4X is the best-seller so far this year, with 1,762 units sold (+236.3%). The VW ID.4 follows with 1,342 units (+207.8%), just ahead of the Nissan Ariya at 1,171 units (+201%). Tesla’s Model Y, once the country’s favorite EV, has fallen to fourth place with just 965 units sold, a staggering 64.4% decline. The VW ID.7 rounds out the top five, surging 729.2% to 879 units sold.
More Than Just Musk Fatigue?
As reported by local media TV 2, while it is still too early to draw conclusions about Tesla’s market appeal in 2025, Norwegian attitudes toward the brand appear to have shifted. A recent survey by Opinion found that two out of three Norwegians have developed a more negative view of Tesla, while only 2% reported an improved perception of the EV maker. Much of this backlash appears tied to the controversial politics of Tesla CEO Elon Musk, particularly his association with U.S. President Donald Trump.
Some experts argue that Tesla’s struggles in Norway go beyond its CEO’s public persona. Robert Næss, Chief Investment Officer at Nordea Asset Management, suggests that Tesla’s once-unmatched appeal has faded in Norway: “I think it’s a combination of some people having a negative impression of Musk and the fact that a Tesla is no longer a much better buy than all other electric cars.”
Meanwhile, Thor Øivind Jenssen, Associate Professor at the University of Bergen believes that negative experiences among Tesla owners have significantly contributed to the decline in sales: “Tesla is at the top of the hate list of NAF and the Consumer Council. There have been several faults with the cars, and when customers complain, they are arrogant and slow in the service process”.
Tesla’s biggest test in Norway will come in March 2025. Historically, March has been a strong month for the brand, and it also marks the arrival of the updated Model Y Juniper.
A sales rebound would be much needed. The Model Y, once Tesla’s best-seller in Norway, has seen its numbers collapse with just 965 units were delivered in January and February, a 64.4% drop from the 2,711 sales recorded in the same period last year.
Whether the updated Model Y can reverse Tesla’s downward trend remains to be seen, but for now, the automaker’s standing in Norway is looking shakier than ever.
Sales Plunge in Other European Markets
Unfortunately for Tesla, Norway isn’t the only place where the EV brand is struggling. While full European sales figures for February are still coming in, early data paints a grim picture. Tesla’s sales dropped 48% in Denmark last month, while over the first two months of 2025, they fell 45% in France and 42% in Sweden compared to the same period last year.
If this trend continues, Tesla may have more to worry about than just Norway’s cooling enthusiasm.
The Tesla repeatedly mistook bike lanes for turn lanes while navigating streets in Beijing.
The EV also made illegal lane changes, crossing solid white lines in multiple road sections.
However, as more drivers in China use FSD, the system is expected to gradually improve.
Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (Supervised) system has officially launched in China, and if its track record in North America is anything to go by, no one should be shocked that it’s running into problems adapting to a new market. During a recent test, a Chinese car blogger managed to rack up no less than seven traffic violations while using FSD, many of them caught on camera, showcasing some of the system’s more questionable driving decisions.
A video shared on the Chinese social media platform Weibo by car blogger Chen Zhen shows the EV repeatedly veering into lanes designated for bicycles, motorbikes, and scooters. In one instance, the system mistakenly treated a bike lane as a right-turn lane, and unfortunately for the driver, a police car was waiting at the very same intersection.
During the same test, the Tesla also made illegal lane changes, crossing over solid lines when it shouldn’t have.
As Tesla crowdsources data from its drivers to develop and improve the Full-Self Driving system, it’s reasonable to assume that, like in the US, the system will steadily improve over time as it becomes accustomed to the driving rules of China and is more familiar with things like lane markings and road signs. However, improvements will likely be quite slow.
According to local media outlet Shine, a Chinese car review team recently put FSD to the test in a Tesla Model Y, comparing it against advanced driver-assistance systems from domestic automakers Li Auto and Aito. The results weren’t exactly confidence-inspiring. In the test, Tesla’s FSD racked up 34 traffic violations and required 24 driver interventions.
By comparison, the Li Auto L7 had just 9 interventions and 14 violations while the Aito M9 had 12 interventions and 14 violations. While those two locally-made vehicles performed better than the Tesla, none of the results instill much confidence about the abilities of these systems.
For now, it seems like Tesla’s FSD in China has a long road ahead, hopefully, one without any more bike lanes mistaken for turn lanes.
According to Mitchell, US recorded 38% more claims for EVs in 2024 compared to 2023.
On average, EVs remain more expensive to repair compared to ICE, Hybrids, and PHEVs.
Tesla models accounted for over 71% of the total repairable EV claims throughout 2024.
As electric vehicles continue to gain traction on U.S. roads, their crash claims are rising right along with them. According to collision management software provider Mitchell, the US recorded 38% more claims for battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) in 2024 compared to 2023. This surge isn’t exactly shocking, given the growing popularity of fully electric cars. However, it does highlight just how much more expensive these vehicles are to repair.
Rising EV Collision Claims
The study revealed that EVs accounted for 2.71% of all claims in the States in 2024, marking a 38% increase over the previous year. In Canada, the percentage was slightly higher at 3.84%, reflecting a 34% year-over-year jump. These figures are another indication of the rapid growth in EV adoption across North America.
In fact, according to Argonne National Laboratory and Electric Autonomy, there are over 100 different EV models sold in the U.S. and 75 in Canada, with dozens more expected by the end of this year. It’s clear that electric cars are here to stay, and they’re crashing just as often as their gas-guzzling counterparts.
In terms of total loss frequency, EVs experienced a jump from 8% in 2023 to 10.2% in 2024. Mitchell noted that this 2% rise in write-offs was consistent across all vehicle powertrains in America, primarily due to a spike in catastrophic claims during the latter half of 2024.
Tesla Leads the Pack in Claims Frequency
Unsurprisingly, Tesla models dominate the EV crash claim stats. The Model Y and Model 3 topped the charts in the US, with claim frequencies of 31.43% and 29.86% respectively. Together, these two models accounted for more than 60% of the claims for collision-damaged repairable EVs in 2024.
When you factor in the Model S (5.53%) and the Model X (4.58%), Tesla’s share of the total climbs to a hefty 71.4%. The only non-Tesla BEV to crack the top five was the Ford Mustang Mach-E, which saw a claim frequency of 6.37%.
Tesla’s dominance isn’t surprising, given the sheer volume of Model Ys and Model 3s on the road. The more cars there are, the greater the likelihood of accidents, and Tesla has more than its fair share of both.
What About The Repair Costs?
Mitchell’s study also revealed the average repair costs for collision-damaged vehicles in 2024, highlighting the stark difference between EVs and traditional internal combustion engines. Electric cars proved to be the most expensive to repair, with an average claim severity of $6,236 in the US, marking a 3% decrease compared to 2023. For reference, ICE vehicles came in at a lower average of $5,066.
However, when we look only at newer ICE models ($6,127), their repair costs begin to rival those of electric cars. This is due to the increased complexity of newer ICE cars, which translates into higher repair costs.
Average Repair Costs (2024)
Powertrain
USA
Canada
BEVs
US$ 6,236
CA$ 7,241
ICE
US$ 5,066
CA$ 5,576
Hybrids
US$ 4,726
CA$ 6,104
PHEVs
US$ 5,583
CA$ 6,261
Newer ICE
US$ 6,127
CA$ 6,818
SWIPE
There are, of course, outliers. Take Rivian, for instance, where owners have frequently voiced frustration over absurdly high repair costs for what are often relatively minor damages – a topic we’ve revisited more than once on these pages.
Mitchell also pointed out that EV values have been declining faster than other powertrain types. This drop in value is linked to factors such as reduced manufacturing costs, the increasing age of these vehicles, and consumer concerns over battery health, especially in used models. As a result, the average total loss market value for EVs dropped significantly in 2024, falling to $33,346 in the U.S. (-22%) and $40,203 in Canada (-18.5%).