Norway's electric car revolution hits 98.6% of new registrations

Norway has reached a new milestone in electric vehicle adoption. In April, nearly all new car registrations were electric, with 98.6% of buyers choosing battery-powered models. This surge reflects the country’s long-standing push for cleaner transport. Norway’s shift to electric transport began in 2001 with tax breaks on electric cars. Exemptions from VAT and registration fees made them far cheaper than petrol or diesel alternatives. Additional perks, such as discounted tolls, free parking, and access to bus lanes, further encouraged uptake.

The results are striking. Today, one in three cars on Norwegian roads runs on electricity. A network of over 10,000 fast-charging stations supports this growth. Since 2017, a 'right to charge' law has also allowed tenants to install home charging points.

The impact on emissions is clear. CO₂ from road traffic fell from 10.5 million tons in 2015 to 7.5 million tons in 2024. Meanwhile, the cost of internal combustion engine cars has risen sharply due to higher registration taxes. Norway is now expanding its focus to freight, aiming to switch all lorries to electric or biofuel power. Even many ferries now run on electricity. Norway’s policies have made electric vehicles the norm rather than the exception. The drop in emissions and the growth of charging infrastructure show the strategy’s success. The next step is to apply the same approach to heavy transport and public ferries.