Tesla's monthly sales in Europe plunge by almost 50% amid protests and backlash against Elon Musk

Tesla sales across Europe plummeted by almost 50% last month even as the broader market for electric cars saw growth in the region, according to data released Tuesday.

Sales of Tesla vehicles in 32 European countries tumbled 49% to 7,261 in April from 14,228 in the same month the previous year, according to the figures released by the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association, or ACEA. 

At the same time, sales of battery-electric vehicles by all manufacturers rose about 28%, the group's data shows.