Tesla Model S deliveries were up 43% in Sweden during the last quarter [chart]

Tesla has a presence in Sweden since late 2013, but sales in the country have been lagging until mid-2015. Based on registration data, Tesla delivered only 268 Model S’s in Sweden in 2014, but last year the automaker delivered 996 cars, which represents a 271% increase.

This increase made Sweden an important market for Tesla in Europe, where it now holds the 6th position in term of volume – ahead of countries like France and the UK – despite Sweden’s size.

Now the automaker is off to a good start in 2016, 198 Model S units were registered in Sweden during the first quarter versus 138 units during the same period in 2015. It represents a 43% increase over Q1 2015.

Sales are still dwarfed by Sweden’s neighbor, Norway, but unlike in Norway, Tesla’s sales are still growing in Sweden.

Tesla opened several new Supercharger locations in late 2014 and 2015, which presumably helped sales performance. The most populated areas of the country are now covered by 14 Tesla fast-charging stations and there’s a new one under construction.

Here’s a chart of monthly Tesla Model S registrations in Sweden over the last 3 years:

Earlier this year, Tesla announced a first of its kind partnership with Swedish electric utility Skellefteå Kraft to supply the Supercharger network in Sweden with 100% renewable energy and offer Tesla owners completely free charging at home.

Even though Sweden’s electricity rates are quite low due to abundant hydro-electric power, the new program could still potentially increase Tesla’s popularity in the country.