Switching to more sustainable transport options is one of the biggest changes we can make to improve our planet’s health, which is why so many people are ditching short-haul flights in favour of railway travel right now.
But our personal vehicles are responsible for a lot of pollution, too. And while some countries are doing stuff to tackle the problem, like implementing low-emission zones, Norway is on track to become the first country in the world to only use electric vehicles.
Sales of electric vehicles (EVs) in Norway have soared from just 1 percent of total auto sales in 2010 to 88.9 percent in 2024, according to CNBC – and in the first few weeks of this year, that’s leapt even higher to 96 percent of sales.
Of course, there are still plenty of internal combustion engines on the roads, with EVs making up 28 percent of Norway’s car total (though in Oslo it’s 40 percent). However, the country’s goal of operating with 100 percent electric vehicles (which was established by lawmakers back in 2017) is well within grasp.
‘We have already invited a lot of politicians and different stakeholders to a party on February 13 because, we don’t know exactly until the year has ended, but everyone says we will end somewhere between 95 and 100 percent this year,’ Christina Bu, secretary general of the Norwegian EV Association, said. ‘In times like this with [President Donald] Trump withdrawing the US from the climate agreement, I think we need to celebrate the achievements that we have managed.’
So, how has Norway done it? Well, rather than imposing measures that punish drivers of non-electric vehicles, Norway’s deputy transport minister said that policies were designed to support the uptake of EVs.
The incentives include VAT exemption, cheaper parking and road taxes, and access to bus lanes. On top of that, the government invested in charging infrastructure and lots of Norwegian homes can now charge their cars.
It’s worth noting that Norway is prosperous, so can afford the costs of subsiding EV usage, and it’s rich in and exports a lot of crude oil and gas, which means energy there is cheap. However, economist Rico Luman said that ‘Norway is a global frontrunner’ and can lead by example for other countries to follow suit.
For some context, industry data shows that 20 percent of new UK car registrations in 2024 were for EVs, but in the US, just 8.1 percent of sales were EVs. While Norway’s milestone is exciting, there’s still a way to go.
Did you see that over a dozen Netherlands cities have introduced zero emissions zones?
Plus: Is Greece hot in February? The best winter sun destinations in Greece.
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