Tesla Sales Stall in Ireland as BYD Gains Ground

Chinese Automaker Overtakes Musk’s Firm Amid Policy Concerns

Irish consumers are shifting away from Tesla vehicles, creating an opening for competitors like BYD. This change comes as broader economic factors and government policies impact investment across multiple sectors.

Electric Vehicle Market Shifts

Sales of cars produced by Elon Musk’s company have decreased by 13 percent in Ireland this year. Meanwhile, BYD has seen a substantial 48 percent increase in sales, surpassing Tesla in the Irish market.

Initially, Tesla experienced strong growth in early 2025, with sales doubling year-over-year due to the introduction of the more affordable Model 3. However, last month alone saw a dramatic 62 percent drop in sales.

Housing Investment Faces Headwinds

Government policies are reportedly discouraging investment in Irish housing, pushing developers to seek opportunities elsewhere. Claire Solon, managing director of Greystar’s Irish operations, stated the government must address issues related to “planning, infrastructure, rent caps and viability.”

The company expressed concern that “problematic policy changes” are diverting housing investment to other countries. Michael O’Flynn, chief executive of O’Flynn Group, argued that new taxes on the construction industry are hindering the delivery of new homes, effectively turning the residential zoned land tax into a development tax.

Ireland’s housing crisis is particularly acute; in February 2024, there were 11,683 people experiencing homelessness in Ireland, according to Focus Ireland (Focus Ireland, February 2024).

Heathrow Expansion Plan Challenged

Billionaire hotelier Surinder Arora is collaborating with US engineering firm Bechtel to propose an alternative plan for a third runway at London’s Heathrow airport. Britain’s aviation minister, Mike Kane, indicated the government is receptive to considering alternative bids.

build it cheaper than Heathrow Airport Ltd,” Mr. Arora told reporters. He previously presented a similar proposal in 2018, claiming it could be completed at one-third the cost of the airport’s own plan.

Biogas Industry Seeks Support

Renewables developer Bia Energy is advocating for a policy requiring large energy consumers, including data centers and pharmaceutical companies, to utilize biogas. Backed by businessman Eamon Waters, the firm warns that Ireland is unlikely to meet its climate plan targets for biogas without such a mandate.

Bia Energy is calling for a “renewable heat obligation policy” that legally compels these large users to purchase renewable energy. The Republic of Ireland could face penalties of up to €28 billion by 2030 if it fails to achieve a 51 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.