Elon Musk’s Tesla has been dealt another blow as sales in Europe plummet despite more drivers showing a willingness to buy electric vehicles. Just 36,167 Teslas were sold in the EU during the first quarter of the year,

Tesla’s flailing sales figures have put the company closer to the red than it has been in years, according to financial results released Tuesday,

Tesla boss Elon Musk has pledged to "significantly" cut back his role in the US government after the electric car firm reported a huge drop in profit and sales for the start of this year. Musk has led the newly created advisory body - the Department for Government Efficiency (Doge) - since last year,

Tesla's new car sales in Europe dropped 28.2% in March from a year earlier, even as overall battery electric vehicle sales rose 23.6% in the month, according to data from the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA).

Tesla (TSLA) continued to face challenges in the European Union in March as new car registrations declined 36% to 18,224 vehicles. Importantly,

Demand for new Tesla models has slumped across Europe, with more motorists choosing models from traditional brands and Chinese newcomers.