Tesla Loses Ground in EV Market as Share Falls to Lowest in Eight Years

Meanwhile, automakers such as Hyundai, Kia, Honda, and Toyota gained ground by offering discounts and attractive financing plans.

Musk’s Bold Vision and Austin Robotaxi Pilot Lift Tesla Shares

Quick overview

  • Tesla's share of the U.S. electric vehicle market fell to 38% in August, its lowest level in nearly eight years.
  • This decline is attributed to increased competition from other automakers offering discounts and new models, while Tesla's sales grew only 3.1%.
  • The company faces a strategic dilemma between maintaining profitability and defending its market share amidst an aging vehicle lineup.
  • Investor focus is shifting to upcoming U.S. inflation data, which may influence the Federal Reserve's future monetary policy decisions.

Tesla’s share of the U.S. electric vehicle market dropped in August to its lowest level in almost eight years, according to data from Cox Automotive.

Elon Musk’s company accounted for 38% of EV sales, marking the first time its share has fallen below 40% since 2017, when it launched the Model 3.

The decline highlights the rapid progress of competitors rolling out new models with aggressive incentives, at a time when federal tax credits for EV purchases are set to expire at the end of the month. While the overall EV market grew 14% in August, Tesla’s sales rose just 3.1%, underscoring the pressure on its aging lineup, Reuters reported.

Tesla has recently emphasized projects in artificial intelligence and robotics, but without major breakthroughs in its vehicle portfolio. Its most recent launch, the Cybertruck pickup, has not replicated the success of the Model 3 or Model Y.

TSLA/USD

Meanwhile, automakers such as Hyundai, Kia, Honda, and Toyota gained ground by offering discounts and attractive financing plans, luring buyers who might once have chosen Tesla. The company now faces a dilemma: protect profitability or sacrifice margins to defend market share.

Markets Await U.S. Inflation Data

This week, investor attention will focus on August inflation figures in the United States. On Wednesday, the Producer Price Index (PPI), a gauge of wholesale inflation, will be released. The following day, consumer inflation will be reported through the Consumer Price Index (CPI).

The data are expected to capture some of the upward pressure from Trump’s tariffs, most of which took effect last month and were absorbed by U.S. importers—a trend that could push prices higher.

While the inflation reports are unlikely to affect the Federal Reserve’s September rate decision, they could shape its stance on future easing measures. The central bank has repeatedly warned that inflationary risks stemming from Trump’s tariffs may delay upcoming rate cuts.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR See More
Ignacio Teson
Economist and Financial Analyst
Ignacio Teson is an Economist and Financial Analyst. He has more than 7 years of experience in emerging markets. He worked as an analyst and market operator at brokerage firms in Argentina and Spain.

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