Is Elon Musk's Political Views Costing Tesla Market Share? Tesla Model 3 Falls to Third Place in California's Top-Selling Cars

The Tesla Model 3 dropped from the top-selling passenger car in California to third place in the first quarter. Toyota was the top automaker brand in California, with Honda second, as Tesla registrations declined 7.8% year-to-date after falling 9.8% in the fourth quarter. California accounts for more than 32% of US battery electric vehicle registrations. The decline is cited due to Tesla prices relative to competitors, charging infrastructure issues, and buyers who wanted a Tesla may have already gotten one. Elon Musk's controversial public stances on political issues may also be impacting demand, especially in liberal-leaning California. Tesla remains the leading electric vehicle seller in California, though its market share for battery electric vehicles fell by over 6% in the first quarter.