Oslo: Norway is leading the world with nearly 96 percent of new cars registered in January 2024 being electric, marking close proximity to the country's ambitious target of solely selling zero-emission vehicles starting this year. According to the Norwegian Road Federation (OFV), 95.8 percent of new cars registered were fully electric, and when including hybrid models, the figure rose to 96.8 percent. This monumental shift sees Norway positioned as the frontrunner in the global transition to electric mobility.
A total of 9,343 new cars were sold during the month, with 8,954 of them being all-electric. OFV director Oyvind Solberg Thorsen expressed optimism, stating, "We've never seen this before... If the rest of the year continues like this, we will very soon be close to the 2025 goal." He stressed, though, the need for continued support to achieve the target of transitioning to 100 percent electric cars.
The statistics are telling. Of the 50 best-selling car models, only two were non-electric vehicles, and these non-electric models fell far down the sales chart, with one ranking only 33rd. This marks a significant departure from industry trends seen across Europe, where the electric vehicle share measured just 13.6 percent for the full year 2024, according to data from the carmaking lobby ACEA.
Driving the electricity-powered change is not merely about the numbers but also the incentives. Norway, known globally as both a major oil producer and proponent of eco-friendly policies, has not imposed bans on the sale of combustion engine vehicles. Instead, the government has established various measures such as tax exemptions for electric vehicles, toll exemptions, free parking, and access to bus lanes—all making EVs far more appealing compared to conventional cars.
Norway’s policies enable electric vehicles to compete effectively against internal combustion vehicles, even with some gradual rollbacks on certain tax breaks. The extensive network of chargers across the country has also contributed to the growth; many Norwegians possess home chargers alongside quick-charge stations throughout the nation. This seamless access to charging facilities has eased concerns related to long drives, enabling electric car owners like Frode Hvattum to travel comfortably even to secluded areas.
Christina Bu, head of the Norwegian Electric Vehicle Association, commented, "We should finish the year at between 95 and 100 percent, and probably even in the high end of this range," predicting strong sales figures as cumulative efforts materialize toward achieving their green initiatives.
Notably, the figures for traditional combustion engines have dwindled alarmingly; diesel vehicles made up only 1.5 percent of new registrations, with petrol cars merely capturing 0.4 percent of the market. The success of electric vehicles has been attributed to cultural shifts and increasing public awareness of environmental issues. Thorsen reinforced the idea of maintaining incentives by noting, "But if we want to cross the finish line with 100 percent electric cars, it will be necessary to maintain the incentives."
Looking forward, the implementation of new tax measures on petrol and diesel vehicles set to commence on April 1 st will likely curtail internal combustion sales even more, pushing consumers increasingly toward electric alternatives.
While experts affirm the likelihood of reaching almost complete electrification soon, they also express the need for prudent policy-making. Bu urged political leaders not to grow complacent, insisting on the importance of sustaining supportive measures: "Political leaders can't rest on their laurels. They have to maintain the advantages, such as the toll discounts, so the transition to EVs spreads on the second-hand market." The continuous adaptation of policy to safeguard the EV market plays a pivotal role moving forward.
A broader view of this situation depicts not just Norway as the leader of electric vehicle adoption but also highlights its commitment to climate and environmental goals. With these concrete statistics and systemic support facilitating the electric revolution, Norway sets a powerful example for the rest of the world.