In a significant milestone for the electric vehicle (EV) revolution, nearly nine out of ten new cars sold in Norway last year were fully electric, making the country a global leader in the transition to zero-emission transport. The latest data from the Norwegian Road Federation (OFV) reveals that fully electric cars accounted for an impressive 88.9% of new car sales in 2024, a notable increase from 82.4% in 2023. With just one year to go until its 2025 target, where it plans to exclusively register new electric vehicles, Norway is on the cusp of becoming the first nation in the world to essentially eliminate petrol and diesel cars from its new car market.
Strong EV Sales Boosted by Incentive Policies
Norway’s impressive shift to EVs is the result of strategic, long-term government policies aimed at promoting zero-emission vehicles. The government has long incentivized EVs, offering exemptions from taxes that are levied on traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. These incentives include waivers on import taxes and value-added taxes for EVs, making them financially appealing to consumers. Despite the reintroduction of certain levies in 2023, Norway’s consistent approach to incentivizing electric cars has proven to be highly effective.
Christina Bu, head of the Norwegian Electric Vehicle Association, lauds the country’s policy, stating that it’s a prime example of how strong, long-term incentives can drive the adoption of green technologies. Unlike other countries where incentives often fluctuate, Norway’s stability has created predictability for consumers, further encouraging them to switch to electric vehicles.
At the same time, Norway’s status as a non-car-producing nation has helped it avoid significant resistance from automakers, a situation that many other countries face. “We are not a car-producing country, so taxing cars heavily in the past was simple,” explained Ulf Tore Hekneby, head of Norway’s largest car importer, Harald A. Moeller.
EVs Overtake Petrol Cars on Norwegian Roads
The EV boom is not limited to new car sales alone. Fully electric vehicles have also gained significant traction on the roads, with battery electric cars surpassing pure petrol cars in total share for the first time in December 2024. According to data from the Public Road Administration, EVs made up 28.6% of all vehicles on Norwegian roads by the end of 2024, overtaking traditional petrol-powered cars. This marks a monumental achievement in Norway’s push to cut emissions and accelerate the adoption of cleaner alternatives.
The transition to electric vehicles is also impacting other sectors. Fuel stations across Norway are increasingly replacing petrol pumps with fast electric car chargers to accommodate the growing number of EVs. “Within the next three years, we will have at least as many charging stalls as we have pumps for fuel,” said Anders Kleve Svela, a senior manager at Circle K, Norway’s largest fuel retailer.
Remaining Challenges and Adaptations
While Norway is on track to reach its 2025 target, challenges remain. A small segment of car buyers, such as rental companies catering to tourists, continue to purchase internal combustion engine vehicles. However, these exceptions are becoming fewer as electric vehicles continue to win over the majority of Norwegian consumers.
For drivers, one of the few drawbacks of electric vehicles is the slower charging process, particularly in the colder winter months. Desire Andresen, a 28-year-old caregiver from Oslo, noted that while charging takes longer than refueling a petrol car, she is more comfortable with her EV due to its environmental benefits and the absence of the unpleasant diesel car fumes.
As Norway continues to lead the charge, its model offers valuable lessons for other countries striving to reduce their carbon footprints and transition to cleaner, sustainable energy solutions.
