Europeans Have Lost Interest in Tesla, Except for One Country That Continues to Purchase | Carscoops

      Tesla deliveries soared in Norway, driven by the new Model Y, while neighboring countries showed less enthusiasm.

      Tesla's sales in Norway experienced a staggering increase of 213 percent in May compared to May 2024, largely thanks to the launch of the updated Model Y in a market where 93 percent of new cars are electric vehicles (EVs).

      In contrast, Tesla's demand in Sweden dropped by 54 percent during the same timeframe.

      Despite a decline in global sales, some markets are still delivering unexpected successes for Tesla. In Norway, where an impressive nine out of ten new car sales are EVs, the company's sales drastically rose by 213 percent in May compared to the same month last year.

      According to the Norwegian Road Traffic Information Council (OFV), 2,600 Tesla EVs were delivered in Norway in May. This surge was primarily driven by the introduction of the refreshed Model Y, which premiered this spring. The compact SUV has been the best-selling car in the country for three consecutive years, taking a significant 16.5 percent of the market share this May.

      In comparison, Toyota's bZ4X, the runner-up, captured just 7 percent of the market, while the VW ID.4 accounted for only 4.2 percent. Tesla's overall performance in Norway far exceeded the general sales increase of 39 percent for all vehicles sold in the nation last month.

      The Norwegian government has maintained a pro-climate approach for 25 years, promoting electric vehicle usage despite being a major oil exporter. This initiative has encouraged the population to embrace electric cars, even in the challenging winter weather. Strong financial incentives and a vast network of chargers have created enough demand to bring Norway close to its target of 100 percent EV sales by 2025, which was set eight years ago. However, converting the last few remaining customers who prefer combustion engines will be challenging.

      While Tesla enjoyed significant success in Norway, other European countries with access to the refreshed Model Y did not see similar results. In Sweden, Tesla sales fell by 54 percent to just 503 vehicles, and in France, they dropped by 67 percent to 721 units, according to AAA data.

      European Tesla sales have halved as consumers moved away from a brand that previously topped sales charts, outpacing not only other EVs but also all combustion-engine vehicles. The increase in competition from established brands and new entrants like BYD has played a role, as has some disappointment with the gradual updates made to the Model 3 and Model Y.

      Additionally, Tesla's declining brand image and public backlash over Elon Musk's support for right-wing political parties, such as Germany's AfD, have contributed to weak sales. A March poll revealed that 94 percent of Germans indicated they would never purchase a Tesla.