Tesla Delivers Over 486,000 Vehicles in Q3 as Overseas Sales Offset US Slide

Tesla kept its delivery machine rolling in the third quarter, handing over more than 486,500 vehicles to customers worldwide while building just over 464,000 units. The result came in ahead of Wall Street’s consensus and even the most bullish analyst views, marking a second consecutive solid quarter after a bumpy start to the year.

That said, the figure still trails the same period a year ago, when Tesla delivered roughly 497,000 vehicles — its strongest quarter ever, boosted by buyers rushing to claim an expiring federal tax credit. Through the first part of 2025, Tesla’s US sales had fallen close to 20% year over year, according to Cox Automotive, weighed down by a stale consumer lineup, the commercially disappointing Cybertruck, and backlash tied to CEO Elon Musk’s political activity.

To compensate, Tesla has leaned harder on markets outside the US. Demand is climbing again in Europe, where tighter emissions rules favor EVs, and the company is reportedly adding capacity at its German plant. Its China factory also continues to post strong numbers, with some of that output flowing to newer markets such as Japan, Australia, and Lithuania.

Meanwhile, Musk appears more focused on side projects than car sales. Tesla has begun running driverless two-seat Cybercab rides in Austin, Texas, launched a production version of its electric Semi nearly a decade after the concept debuted, and plans to re-reveal a second-generation Roadster on October 15. The company recently secured up to $30 billion in new credit lines to fund those efforts.