Norway is set to become the first country in the world to transition fully to electric vehicles (EVs), with a dramatic shift from gasoline and diesel cars. The Nordic nation, known for its vast oil and gas reserves, has long been a global leader in sustainable transportation. While other countries push for ambitious electric vehicle goals, Norway's success is seen as a model that could shape the future of transport worldwide.

Electric vehicle sales in Norway have skyrocketed from less than 1% of total auto sales in 2010 to nearly 89% in 2024. The trend shows no signs of slowing down, as recent data from the Norwegian Public Roads Administration reveals that more than 96% of new cars sold in the first weeks of 2025 are electric. This marks a remarkable achievement in the country’s goal to eliminate fossil fuel vehicles, a target set by lawmakers in 2017.

Christina Bu, secretary general of the Norwegian EV Association (NEVA), which represents electric car owners, confirmed that Norway is on track to hit this milestone. She stated that plans are already underway to celebrate this achievement, with a gathering planned for February 13, 2025. "We will end up somewhere between 95% and 100% this year," Bu said, emphasizing the significance of the country's progress. She added that these achievements are even more notable in light of global setbacks, like the United States’ withdrawal from the Paris Agreement under former President Donald Trump.

Norway's Deputy Transport Minister, Cecilie Knibe Kroglund, attributes the country’s success to long-term, consistent policies supporting EV adoption. These policies include tax exemptions, discounts on road and parking fees, and access to bus lanes for electric vehicles. Additionally, Norway has heavily invested in public charging infrastructure, making it easier for residents to switch to electric vehicles. "This is the new normal," Kroglund told CNBC, signaling that the transition is not just a policy achievement but a cultural shift for the country.

The country’s move toward full electrification is also being mirrored in its public transport. By 2025, Norway plans to transition all city buses to electric power, and by the end of the decade, it aims to make 75% of its heavy-duty vehicles renewable. This shows that Norway’s push for sustainability extends beyond personal cars to encompass all forms of transportation.

Although EV sales in Norway are close to 100%, internal combustion engine vehicles are still present on the roads. However, the shift toward electric cars is undeniable. According to Bu, 28% of cars nationwide are fully electric, with the capital city, Oslo, seeing this figure rise to over 40%. The country’s success has sparked a change in the public’s mindset. Bu noted that many people who were initially skeptical about EVs have come around, enthusiastically embracing the technology.

Internationally, Norway’s achievements stand in stark contrast to other countries. For example, in the U.S., electric vehicles accounted for only 8.1% of total car sales in 2024, while in the U.K. the share was around 20%. Experts believe that Norway's experience could serve as a guide for other nations, though challenges remain. The country’s prosperity, cheap energy from its oil and gas reserves, and substantial government support have made the transition easier than in other regions.

Rico Luman, a senior economist at Dutch bank ING, emphasized that while Norway is a front-runner in the EV space, its success is not easily replicable. Other nations might struggle to meet Norway’s standards due to budget constraints or less favorable energy prices. Nonetheless, Norway’s example is an encouraging sign for global EV adoption.

As for the future, experts like Professor Harald Nils Røstvik from the University of Stavanger are confident that Norway will not backtrack on its transition to electric vehicles. "The advantages of an electric car are so many. It's quiet, it's more economical, it's clean," he said. "We will not return to the bulky, noisy, dirty diesel car." This sentiment is shared across Norway, where EVs have become the norm, not the exception.

With its full transition to electric vehicles on the horizon, Norway is setting the standard for how nations can combat climate change through innovative, sustainable policies. As the country celebrates this historic achievement, the world watches closely, eager to follow its example.

SOURCE: CNBC | PHOTO: CHARGEDEVS

This article was created with AI assistance.