Tesla achieves impressive milestone amid surge in electric car sales - 'Do the right thing for the planet'

Norway is aiming to curb the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles by next year, although this will be achieved through expensive fees for fossil fuel owners and EV incentives.

With more than 60,000 vehicles on the road, the Tesla Model Y mid-size SUV is the most newly registered electric car in Norway, followed by the Model 3 in third.

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When taking into account the list of the most sold new vehicles with all drivetrains combined, the Model Y still ranks in fifth place.

Both electric vehicles from the Elon Musk-owned brand have seen great success in Norway with the Model 3 being the best seller in 2019 and 2021, while the Model Y took the crown in 2022 and 2023.

Posting on social media site X, Tesla Europe and Middle East said: "Norwegians have understood that you can do the right thing for the planet ... while having tons of fun!"

The main Tesla account also reacted to the news, adding: "Norway is awesome! The continued support from our owners, especially those who first bought early versions of Model S & X, means a lot."

Øyvind Solberg Thorsen, director of the OFV (Norwegian Road Federation), said the country could see another turning point in 2026 if new EVs overtake the sale of new diesel cars, as expected.

In comparison, electric vehicle sales in the UK have jumped by 10.8 per cent compared to the same time last year, according to data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.

More than 19,000 battery electric vehicles were registered in August, bringing the fuel type's market share to 22.6 per cent - almost four times as much as diesel.

The SMMT acknowleged that the car production in August experienced a drop of 8.4 per cent given that factories across the UK were adjusting to an electric future.

However, industry experts will be buoyed by the data given that August is a traditionally quiet summer shutdown" month, with September boosted by the new number plate changes launching at the start of the month.

Tesla's electric vehicles also remain popular in the UK with the Tesla Model 3 being the third most-registered car in August, followed by the Model Y in fifth.

The Austin, Texas-based manufacturer has been taking further steps to increase its presence in the UK in recent months, including by slashing prices.

In August, Tesla announced that it would be cutting the price of its Model Y from £399 to £299 when drivers look to lease the popular SUV.

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Tesla also highlighted how switching from a petrol car to a Model Y could see motorists save an average of £1,600 a year when driving an average of 10,000 miles a year.

A recent update to the Tesla app shows how drivers can make even larger savings when switching by taking into account the cost of charging.