• Record EV Sales: Fully electric vehicles made up 89% of new car sales in Norway in 2024, up from 82% in 2023.
• Policy-Driven Success: Long-standing EV incentives and high taxes on petrol/diesel cars fueled adoption.
• Infrastructure Shift: Fuel stations are replacing petrol pumps with fast chargers as EV use rises.

Norway’s Electric Milestone

In 2024, 89% of new cars sold in Norway were fully electric, marking a significant leap from 82% in 2023, according to data from the Norwegian Road Federation (OFV).

Christina Bu, head of the Norwegian EV Association, said, “Norway will be the first country in the world to pretty much erase petrol and diesel engine cars from the new car market.”

Tesla, Volkswagen, and Toyota led the EV market, with Chinese EVs comprising 10% of new sales.

Policies That Power the Transition

Norway’s success stems from a consistent approach:

• Incentives: EVs are exempt from import and value-added taxes, though some levies were reintroduced in 2023.
• Tax Penalties: High taxes on internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles discourage traditional car purchases.
• No Automotive Lobby: As a non-car-producing nation, Norway faced fewer obstacles in implementing these policies.

“Having incentives rather than bans was crucial. People don’t like being told what to do,” said Christina Bu.

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Infrastructure and Adoption

Fuel stations are adapting to the EV boom by installing fast chargers.

Anders Kleve Svela of Circle K noted, “Within the next three years, we will have at least as many charging stalls as we have pumps for fuel.”

EVs now outnumber petrol cars on Norwegian roads, accounting for 28% of all vehicles as of December 2024.

Despite the dominance of EVs, some ICE cars are still bought by rental companies catering to tourists less familiar with EVs.

Global Implications

Norway’s journey offers lessons for other countries aiming to transition to EVs:

Deputy Transport Minister Cecilie Knibe Kroglund said, “The big lesson is to put together a broad package of incentives and make it predictable for the long term.”

As Norway approaches its 2025 target for 100% EV sales, its approach showcases how consistent policies and infrastructure investment can drive a sustainable future.

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