Tesla’s, opens new tab electric-vehicle registrations in California fell about 12% last year, according to industry data, indicating mounting challenges for the automaker in the key U.S. market.
While high interest rates, tough competition and the introduction of a restyled Model 3 sedan hurt the EV maker’s sales in California, the loss of business was likely exacerbated by CEO Elon Musk’s involvement in the U.S. election.
“Things aren’t looking so golden for Tesla in the Golden State. Tesla’s dominance in the electric-vehicle market continues to falter as the brand reported its fifth consecutive quarterly registration decline,” California New Car Dealers Association said in a report published on Jan. 31.
Still, the Model Y crossover continued to be the top-selling vehicle in the state, with about 129,000 units sold last year. The Model 3 sedan was a distant second, with around 53,000 cars delivered.
