[ECO]In Norwegian First, Electric Cars Take the Lead Over Petrol Vehicles

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Norway has become the first country where electric vehicles outnumber petrol cars, driven by aggressive targets and incentives to accelerate electric vehicle adoption.

In a remarkable achievement, Norway has become the first country in the world where the number of all-electric vehicles has surpassed the number of petrol-powered cars. This milestone highlights the Nordic country’s rapid progress towards ensuring all new car sales are zero-emission vehicles by 2025, a full decade ahead of the European Union’s target.

According to the

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(OFV), of the 2.8 million private cars registered in the country, 754,303 are all-electric, while 753,905 run on petrol. Diesel models remain the most numerous, at just under 1 million, but their sales are declining rapidly.

“This is historic. A milestone few saw coming 10 years ago,” said OFV director Øyvind Solberg Thorsen. “The electrification of the fleet of passenger cars is going quickly, and Norway is thereby rapidly moving towards becoming the first country in the world with a passenger car fleet dominated by electric cars.”

Norway’s remarkable progress in the electric vehicle market stands in stark contrast to the struggles seen elsewhere in Europe. While EV sales began falling at the end of 2023 and now account for just 12.5% of new cars sold on the continent, Norway has bucked this trend.

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The Norwegian ferry system is also increasingly powered by electricity. Photo by Franz Wender on Unsplash

The country’s success in promoting electric mobility is particularly notable given its paradoxical status as a major oil and gas producer. In a bid to electrify road transport and help meet its climate commitments, Norwegian authorities have offered generous tax rebates on EVs, making them competitively priced compared to fuel, diesel, and hybrid cars.

In August, all-electric vehicles made up a record 94.3% of new car registrations in Norway, with the Tesla Model Y being a significant contributor to this surge.

The rapid adoption of EVs in Norway has been driven by a combination of government incentives, public charging infrastructure, and growing consumer awareness and demand for environmentally friendly transportation options.

“Norway is thereby rapidly moving towards becoming the first country in the world with a passenger car fleet dominated by electric cars,” Thorsen added, highlighting the country’s ambitious goal of ensuring all new cars sold are zero-emission vehicles by 2025.

 As Norway continues to lead the way in the global transition to sustainable mobility, the country’s success offers valuable lessons for other nations seeking to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles and reduce their dependence on fossil fuels.

Experts attribute Norway’s EV dominance to a well-designed policy framework that has made electric cars more affordable and accessible to consumers. The country has implemented a comprehensive set of incentives, including exemptions from vehicle purchase taxes, annual road taxes, and value-added tax (VAT), as well as access to bus lanes and free public parking.

Additionally, Norway has invested heavily in the development of a nationwide network of public charging stations, making it easier for EV owners to charge their vehicles. This infrastructure, combined with the country’s abundant hydroelectric power, has helped to address range anxiety and make EVs a practical choice for many Norwegian drivers.

The Norwegian government’s commitment to transitioning to a low-carbon economy is not limited to the transportation sector. The country has also set ambitious targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions across various industries, including oil and gas production, which accounts for a significant portion of its economy.

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Despite its reliance on fossil fuel exports, Norway has been recognized as a global leader in the fight against climate change. The country’s sovereign wealth fund, the largest in the world, has been divesting from fossil fuel companies and investing in renewable energy and other sustainable projects.

As the world grapples with the urgent need to mitigate the effects of climate change, Norway’s success in promoting electric mobility serves as a beacon of hope and a model for other nations to emulate. By demonstrating the feasibility and benefits of transitioning to a zero-emission transportation system, Norway is paving the way for a more sustainable future.

Looking ahead, experts believe that Norway’s continued commitment to electric vehicles and its ability to maintain its momentum in this sector will be crucial in determining the pace of the global transition to sustainable mobility. As other countries closely observe Norway’s progress, the lessons learned from this Nordic nation’s experience could inform and inspire similar initiatives around the world.

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