Norway: The Trailblazer in All-Electric Transport

Norway stands as a global leader in electric vehicle (EV) adoption, with electric cars making up 88.9% of new vehicle sales in 2024. In Oslo, the transition is so advanced that the local dealership, Harald A Møller, has completely eliminated fossil fuel cars from its inventory. This remarkable shift, which have seen electric cars outnumber petrol vehicles for the first time, is the result of long-term, predictable policies that incentivize EV purchases while taxing internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles more heavily. Key initiatives have included the abolition of VAT and import duties on EVs, alongside perks like free parking, discounted tolls, and access to bus lanes.

Norway has set a goal for all new cars sold to be zero emission by 2025, with significant political will behind this initiative despite the country’s status as a major oil producer. Locals embrace the change for both economic and environmental reasons, with a robust network of over 27,000 public EV chargers, significantly higher per capita than larger countries like the UK which has only 89 per 100,000 people.

The early push for EVs in the country started in the 1990s, aiming to support domestic electric vehicle manufacturers. While the initial companies failed, the incentives remained, creating an attractive market for electric cars. Norwegian citizens report that the transition benefits them personally, both economically and environmentally. Industry experts believe Norway’s model can be replicated by other nations, emphasizing the importance of tailored policies rather than widespread changes in public attitudes toward sustainability. Norway’s wealth, renewable energy resources, and strategic financial management have all facilitated this rapid transformation toward an all-electric vehicle future.