Tesla’s Amazing Comeback: Model Y and Model 3 Are Europe’s Best-Selling Cars
Tesla had a remarkably strong September in Europe. The Model Y and Model 3 topped the list of best-selling cars across all powertrains. In fact, the electric SUV is now the best-selling vehicle in Europe since the beginning of 2026.
The European automotive market experienced a particularly dynamic September. According to preliminary data from Dataforce, vehicle registrations increased by 10% compared to September 2025 (1.34 million registrations). But behind this overall rise, electric cars stand out the most. Tesla is reaping significant benefits from this trend.
Tesla’s two models lead the rankings
This is a quite spectacular performance. With 40,971 units sold in September, the Tesla Model Y is the best-selling car in Europe across all powertrains. While this isn’t unprecedented, it still far outpaces the rest. For example, VW sold only 18,088 Golfs. Registrations of the Model Y have increased by 55.3% over the past year.
But the real surprise might come from the Tesla Model 3. This American sedan ranks second with 25,057 registrations, representing a 105.7% increase in just one year. Thus, Tesla occupies the top two spots on Europe’s sales leaderboard, ahead of all internal combustion and hybrid vehicles. It’s truly impressive!
Incidentally, the American automaker also recorded its best sales month in Europe. This strong performance is attributed to high demand for electric vehicles, as well as Tesla’s usual increase in deliveries toward the end of the quarter.
Models
Registrations in September 2026 (all powertrains combined)
Change (%)
1
Tesla Model Y
40 971
+55.3 %
2
Tesla Model 3
25 057
+105.7 %
3
Volkswagen Golf
18 088
-0.8 %
4
Dacia Sandero
17 547
-8.6 %
5
Volkswagen Tiguan
16 457
-7.2 %
6
Mercedes GLC
16 317
+57.5 %
7
Toyota Yaris Cross
16 036
+0.1 %
8
Renault Clio
15 735
-21.8 %
9
Peugeot 208
15,733
+3.6 %
10
Jaecoo 7
15,470
+65.9 %
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The Model Y also dominates the annual rankings
And this dominance isn’t limited to September. In the first nine months of 2026, the Model Y sold 167,369 units on the Old Continent, a 51.8% increase. It now surpasses the Dacia Sandero (162,969 units) and the Volkswagen Golf (151,334 units).
With its Model Y, Tesla can now claim the title of the best-selling car in Europe for the entire year 2026. There are still three months left before the final rankings are known, but the Austin-based company is in a strong position.
Electric car sales are exploding in Europe
Beyond Tesla, the entire electric vehicle market is accelerating. Registrations of fully electric models surged by 60% in September, pushing their market share to a record 30% nationwide.
Sales of electric cars have been rising by 42% since January. Several factors contribute to this trend: rising fuel prices due to the conflict in the Middle East, purchase incentives offered in countries such as France, Germany, and Italy, as well as the introduction of more affordable models.
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Other electric vehicles are also benefiting from this trend. The Renault 5 E-Tech saw 9,048 registrations in September (+42%). The Skoda Elroq reached 12,129 units (+18.5%). It is highly likely that this momentum will continue until the end of the year. In any case, with a 30% market share in September, all-electric vehicles now hold a significant position in the European automotive market.