China’s EV Dominance Expands in Norway as Tariff-Free Market Fuels Growth

Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers now command 10% of Norway's auto market, a staggering ascent achieved in under five years. The Nordic nation's EV adoption rate—94% of new car sales in H1 2025—has become a strategic beachhead for Beijing's automotive exporters.

Unlike protectionist moves by the EU and US, Norway maintains open markets with no tariffs on Chinese EVs. At least 20 models from brands like BYD and XPeng compete directly with European marques, with consumers increasingly viewing them as technologically competitive rather than budget alternatives.

"The local perception has changed radically," says Norwegian EV Association head Christina Bu. Chinese vehicles now regularly appear in Norway's top 20 sales rankings, with Geely-owned Volvo and Polestar occupying a curious middle ground between European heritage and Chinese ownership.