Tesla has seen a notable rebound in sales in Norway this year, defying the downward trend across the broader European market, according to official data released on Monday.

The U.S. electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer has regained popularity among Norwegian buyers, driven by attractive offers like zero-interest loans and the release of a refreshed Model Y — the country’s top-selling vehicle for the past three consecutive months.

Norway continues to lead globally in EV adoption, with electric cars comprising 93.9% of all new vehicle registrations in May, according to the Norwegian Road Federation (OFV). From January to May, EVs accounted for 92.7% of new car sales.

In May, Tesla reclaimed its position as the leading car brand in Norway, tripling its monthly sales and capturing an 18.2% share of the market. Despite a slower growth rate compared to the overall market, Tesla sales rose 8.3% in the first five months of the year, during which the broader new car market expanded by 30.6%. Tesla held a 12.9% market share during this period, placing it second behind German automaker Volkswagen.

In contrast, Tesla’s performance in the European Union declined sharply, with sales halving in April, according to data from the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA). Its market share in the EU dropped to just 1.1%, impacted by increased competition from Chinese EV brands and backlash over Elon Musk’s political associations, particularly his perceived alignment with former U.S. President Donald Trump.

“Norway stands out in Europe when it comes to Tesla’s performance. While other markets have seen a downturn, sales here have held strong,” said OFV Director Øyvind Solberg Thorsen.

Jonathan Parr, an analyst at used-car platform Rebil, told broadcaster TV2, “For Norwegian drivers, the bottom line is price. 

They may disapprove of Musk, but that doesn’t stop them from driving a Tesla.”

Nonetheless, local media in Norway have recently reported cases of Tesla owners choosing to sell their vehicles or opt for different brands moving forward.

Despite being Western Europe’s largest oil producer, Norway has committed to a policy ensuring that all new cars sold in 2025 will be zero-emission vehicles.