Tesla Model 3 becomes first electric vehicle to top European monthly sales

Tesla Inc’s Model 3 topped car sales in Europe in September, marking the first time an electric vehicle has done so in monthly charts, according to research group JATO Dynamics.

At 24,591 cars registered, the Model 3 recorded year-on-year growth of 58%. It was followed Renault’s Clio, Dacia’s Sandero, and Volkswagen’s Golf model, JATO said.

In the battery electric vehicle sector, Tesla’s Model 3 and Y ranked first and second, with Volkswagen’s ID.3 in third place.

“The strong performance of the Model 3 is in part explained by Tesla’s intensive end-of-quarter sales push,” JATO said.

“September has historically been a strong month for the US manufacturer’s registration results in Europe, on average accounting for 68% of its third-quarter deliveries since 2018.”

The landmark sales figures come as Tesla awaits final approval for its first gigafactory in Europe, in Gruendheide near Berlin, with CEO Elon Musk hoping production can begin this year.