For years, Tesla has reigned as the benchmark for electric vehicle (EV) success across the globe. From the sleek Model 3 to the groundbreaking Supercharger network, Elon Musk’s brand became synonymous with the electric revolution. But February’s sales numbers from Europe have revealed something new—Tesla no longer holds the top spot.

According to data from JATO Dynamics, Chinese-owned EV brands registered 19,800 new units in Europe in February, while Tesla trailed with just 15,700 units. This represents a dramatic shift in EV market dominance, highlighting how China’s EV automakers are not just catching up—they’re surpassing the competition in key global markets.
Let’s break down what happened, why it matters, and what it signals for the future of Tesla, China, and the European EV landscape.