Tesla has made a strong comeback in Norway, despite the general trend of dropping sales across Europe. According to official registration data issued by the Norwegian Road Federation (OFV), 2,600 vehicles were sold in May 2025, up 213% from the same month last year. This spike was mostly driven by the newly redesigned Model Y, which remains Norway’s best-selling vehicle. While sales have declined in countries such as Spain, Denmark, and Sweden, this record in Norway underscores the significance of government incentives, consumer preferences, and product timing in influencing electric vehicle adoption. Norway, one of the world’s most electric-vehicle-friendly countries, provides significant insight into how the correct conditions can accelerate sales, even when the company confronts headwinds.
Sales Records in Norway
May 2025 was an important month for electric vehicle sales in Norway. The company registered 2,600 new automobiles, up from 832 in May 2024, representing a significant 213% year-over-year rise. This is the highest monthly performance in 2025 to date, as well as one of the strongest in the country. The revised Model Y drove the majority of these sales, accounting for approximately 90% of all vehicles sold in May. Its popularity among Norwegian drivers stems from practical characteristics, including ample luggage room, all-wheel drive, and adaptability to Norway’s harsh terrain.
There was also a huge surge in Model 3 sales, up 87% from the previous year. Overall, the company finished May as Norway’s third-best-selling car brand, increasing its market share to 18.1%, up from a three-month average of 11.8%. This is a 184% increase from April 2025, indicating that the resurgence in Norway is not a one-time phenomenon.
Norway’s EV-Friendly Policies Help
Record-breaking sales did not occur in a vacuum. The country’s long-standing dedication to electric mobility is a major factor in these figures. In 2025, Norway is on track to achieve its ambitious objective of eliminating gasoline and diesel vehicle sales. This transition has been fueled by a number of government subsidies aimed at making EVs more appealing than conventional vehicles.
Some of these benefits include VAT exemption, reduced road tolls, free or discounted parking, and access to bus lanes. Furthermore, Norway has made significant investments in charging infrastructure, allowing drivers to refuel both at home and on the road. In addition to minimizing the costs of ownership, these measures also make driving an EV a convenient and sensible choice for most Norwegians.
Political Backlash Clouds Brand Image
The recovery in Norway comes despite brand damage throughout Europe. CEO Elon Musk’s backing for far-right ideologies has influenced purchasing decisions. According to NEVA’s survey, 43% of EV drivers would not buy a vehicle for political reasons.
“We can therefore only speculate how much Tesla would have sold without Musk’s support for the MAGA movement and the Trump administration,” Bu added.
Musk’s alignment with Germany’s AfD party, anti-union stance, and financial support for Donald Trump’s campaign have sparked protests at Tesla dealerships in Europe.
To win back customers, the company is offering zero-interest financing in Norway for those who buy the Model Y before the end of June. This offer appears to be effective in reversing early-year dip.
ING’s Luman noted:
“Customers pushed back new Tesla orders to await the new edition, explaining part of the setback in the first months of the year.”
The 213% sales increase in Norway shows that strong product demand and smart incentives can overcome governmental obstacles, at least in some regions. With the Model Y leading the way and Norway’s EV policies remaining strong, the brand may find what it’s missing elsewhere: momentum.
