Silke Mayr Norway has become a global leader in adopting electric vehicles (EVs). In 2024, nine out of 10 new cars sold in Norway were electric. The country plans to achieve 100% EV sales by the end of this year. What lessons can other nations learn from Norway’s electric revolution?
Pioneering Policies: The Road to EV Dominance
For decades, Norway has fostered an environment favorable to electric cars. This transformation began in the 1990s with policies that taxed petrol and diesel cars heavily, making them significantly more expensive than EVs. Simultaneously, electric vehicles received exemptions from taxes and duties, providing a substantial price advantage.
These measures initially supported local EV manufacturers like Buddy and TH!NK City, though these companies eventually closed. However, the tax incentives remained, encouraging EV adoption across the country. “It’s our goal to ensure choosing zero-emission cars is always viable,” says Deputy Transport Minister Cecilie Knibe Kroglund. By 2025, Norway aims to end the sale of new fossil fuel vehicles entirely.
Instead of imposing outright bans, Norway has guided consumer behavior through financial incentives. Benefits include free parking, reduced tolls, access to bus lanes, and a robust charging network. These perks, coupled with affordable EVs, have made electric cars an appealing option for Norwegian drivers.
Infrastructure and Public Perception: Building Confidence
Oslo’s streets showcase the success of Norway’s EV revolution. Nearly every other vehicle displays an “E” on its license plate, marking it as electric. The country now has over 27,000 public chargers—nearly 450 chargers per 100,000 people—far exceeding the UK’s ratio of 89 per 100,000. This expansive infrastructure addresses common concerns about EV range and convenience.
Drivers like Ståle Fyen emphasize how incentives and widespread charging stations make EV ownership practical. “In winter, the range might drop by 20%, but charging isn’t a big issue,” he explains. Another driver, Merete Eggesbø, recalls being among the first Tesla owners in Norway, driven by her desire for a cleaner conscience while driving.
Norway’s wealth, largely from oil and gas exports, has supported its EV transition. The country uses abundant renewable hydroelectric energy to power its vehicles, aligning economic resources with environmental goals. Norway’s sovereign wealth fund, worth over $1.7 trillion, absorbs the financial impact of reduced tax revenue from fuel sales.
Lessons for the World: Can Other Nations Follow?
Norway’s success stems from consistent policies, significant infrastructure investment, and consumer incentives. EVs have become the norm, not an exception. Meanwhile, other nations trail behind. In 2024, EVs accounted for just 20% of new car registrations in the UK and only 8% in the US.
Christina Bu, head of the Norwegian EV Association, believes other countries can replicate Norway’s approach by tailoring policies to their unique circumstances. “It’s not about a green mindset but strong policies and showing people EVs are viable,” she says.
Norway also allows Chinese EV imports without tariffs, expanding market options. Brands like Tesla, VW, BYD, and Polestar dominate sales, highlighting consumer confidence in diverse EV manufacturers.
While wealth and renewable energy play a role, experts argue that strategic policy and public incentives are the true drivers of Norway’s success. Other nations may not match Norway’s resources, but they can adapt its strategies to encourage widespread EV adoption.
Norway’s example proves that with the right combination of incentives, infrastructure, and public trust, the shift to electric vehicles is not only possible but inevitable.