Norway’s Love Affair with Tesla Sparks Back to Life—Even If Musk Isn’t the Main Attraction
While the rest of Europe seems to be cooling off on Tesla, Norway is driving a different road.
The country’s car buyers have returned to the electric giant with surprising enthusiasm, thanks in part to tempting zero-interest offers and a fresh Model Y that’s topped the sales charts for three months straight.
Norway, known for its strong push toward clean energy, continues to lead the world in electric vehicle adoption. In May alone, nearly 94% of all new cars registered were electric. Over the first five months of the year, EVs made up close to 93% of the market—a clear sign of where Norwegian priorities lie.
Tesla, in particular, saw a strong bounce-back. In May, the brand’s sales tripled, earning it the top spot for car sales that month and capturing 18.2% of the market. For the year so far, Tesla holds a 12.9% share—just behind Volkswagen—even though the overall car market in Norway has grown at a much faster pace.
This rebound stands in stark contrast to what’s happening elsewhere. Across the European Union, Tesla’s sales dropped by 50% in April, and its market share fell to just over 1%. Rising competition from Chinese manufacturers and controversies surrounding Elon Musk haven’t helped matters.
But in Norway? People are focused on the deal, not the drama.
“Price is the biggest driver for buyers here,” said Jonathan Parr, an analyst who tracks car sales trends. “People might not be fans of Musk, but they’re still happy to park a Tesla in their driveway.”
That said, the relationship isn’t without its bumps. Local media have covered a few stories of owners walking away from the brand, either frustrated with service issues or simply ready to try something new.
Still, Norway remains a unique case: a major oil producer turning its attention toward zero-emission vehicles and pulling it off with remarkable commitment. For now, at least, Tesla still has a solid seat at that table—even if some Norwegians are doing it more for the ride than the man behind the wheel.
