EVwire brief: Preliminary April registration data from Japan showed Tesla deliveries surging exactly 200% year-over-year to 1,041 vehicles. Tesla Japan saw 347 registrations in April 2025.
Year-to-date deliveries reached over 6,150 vehicles, up roughly 150% compared to the same period last year, when the company delivered 2,468 units.
This represents Tesla's strongest start to a year in Japan to date. If this momentum continues, Tesla could very well achieve a record year in Japan this 2026. In 2025, Tesla already grew 90% YoY compared to 2024.
The figures are based on preliminary foreign vehicle registration data compiled from the Japan Automobile Importers Association (JAIA), as shared by Japanese EV market watcher @teru_tesla on X.
Elon Musk recently highlighted Japan plans just recently:
Note on the sales data: The JAIA’s public report for April 2026 is set to be released publicly on May 11. Here’s where you can view it (on Monday JP time).
April 2026’s preliminary results from the JAIA
April 2025’s results from the JAIA
Context:
Tesla's April performance followed a record March, when the company delivered 2,523 vehicles and surpassed Audi in monthly import sales for the first time.
Through the first four months of 2026, Tesla ranked fifth among imported vehicle brands in Japan, behind Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Volkswagen, and Audi.
Tesla has seen a sharp increase in vehicle sales in Japan, delivering roughly 10,600 vehicles in 2025, up about 90% year-over-year and surpassing its previous peak of approximately 5,900 units in 2022.
Industry registration tables showed Tesla grouped under the "Others" category in JAIA reports, which is widely accepted as representing the electric vehicle maker's figures.
Tesla is looking to ramp its sales and service network in Japan in 2026
Tesla's physical footprint in Japan
Tesla has also accelerated the expansion of its physical retail presence in Japan, reflecting local consumer preferences for in-person shopping and test drives.
The company operated 38 stores as of May 2026 and has announced a target of at least 60 locations, as part of an effort to become Japan's leading imported car brand.
Still, gaps remain in Tesla's sales network. Key cities such as Kyoto currently have no dedicated showroom, according to Tesla's official store locator.
Source: @teru_tesla on X
DIG DEEPER into the Tesla industry news with our dedicated TESLAWIRE page. And don’t forget to subscribe to our EV industry newsletter to join 14,000+ EV geeks.
