Norway on the Cusp of a Historic Milestone: A Fully Electric Vehicle Market
In a remarkable feat, Norway is poised to become the first country in the world to completely phase out gasoline and diesel cars from its new car market. This Nordic nation, known for its vast oil and gas reserves, has long been a pioneer in sustainable transportation. Electric vehicle (EV) sales have skyrocketed from less than 1% of total auto sales in 2010 to an astonishing 88.9% last year, with no signs of slowing down.
A National Shift Towards Sustainability
According to the Norwegian Public Roads Administration, EVs accounted for more than 96% of new cars sold in the first few weeks of this year. This puts Norway on track to achieve its non-binding goal of going fully electric, set by lawmakers in 2017. Christina Bu, secretary general of the Norwegian EV Association, expects the country to hit this target and is even planning a celebratory party.
Consistent Policies Drive Success
Norway’s Deputy Transport Minister Cecilie Knibe Kroglund attributes the country’s transition to long-term and consistent policies supporting EV adoption, rather than imposing bans on internal combustion engine vehicles. Incentives such as VAT exemptions, road and parking tax discounts, and access to bus lanes have contributed to the country’s remarkable progress.
A New Normal for Transportation
Kroglund describes the changes as a “new normal” for Norway, with plans to fully transition to electric city buses by 2025 and make heavy-duty vehicles 75% renewable by the end of the decade. While new car sales are close to 100% electric, there are still many vehicles with internal combustion engines on the road. However, NEVA’s Bu notes that 28% of cars are fully electric at the national level, rising to over 40% in the capital Oslo.
A Mental Shift in Society
Bu believes that Norway’s policies have driven a mental shift in society, with people quickly adapting to the benefits of EVs. The lack of an automaker lobby in Norway has also contributed to the country’s rapid EV adoption.
A Global Leader in EV Adoption
Norway’s EV leadership serves as an example for other countries to follow. Rico Luman, senior sector economist for transport and logistics at Dutch bank ING, notes that Norway’s prosperity and relatively cheap energy have facilitated its EV transition. However, he believes that other countries can still learn from Norway’s example.
No Turning Back
Harald Nils Røstvik, a professor at Norway’s University of Stavanger, is confident that Norway will not backtrack on its EV transition. With the numerous advantages of electric cars, including their quiet operation, economical benefits, and environmental friendliness, Røstvik believes that a return to noisy, dirty diesel cars is highly unlikely.
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