Registration data from Norway revealed that a staggering nine out of ten new cars sold in 2024 were fully electric, solidifying the country’s position as a global leader in EV adoption. This remarkable figure positions Norway on track to achieve its ambitious goal of solely adding electric cars to its roads by 2025.
Fully electric vehicles captured an impressive 88.9% of the new car market in 2024, a significant increase from 82.4% in the previous year, according to the Norwegian Road Federation (OFV). Tesla reigned supreme as the top-selling brand, followed closely by Volkswagen and Toyota. Notably, Chinese EV manufacturers have made substantial inroads, now accounting for nearly 10% of new car sales.
Top 10 new passenger cars in 2024:
- Tesla Model Y: 16,858
- Tesla Model 3: 7,264
- Volvo EX30: 7,229
- Volkswagen ID.4: 7,222
- Toyota bZ4X: 6,007
- Skoda Enyaq: 4,610
- Nissan Ariya: 3,772
- Volkswagen ID.3: 3,634
- Audi Q4 e-tron: 3,449
- Hyundai Kona electric: 3,278
“Norway is poised to become the first nation globally to virtually eliminate petrol and diesel cars from its new car market,” said Christina Bu, head of the Norwegian EV association.
This remarkable transition is attributed to Norway’s strategic approach. The country levies significant taxes on petrol and diesel vehicles while offering substantial incentives for EVs, including exemptions from import and value-added taxes. Although some levies were reintroduced in 2023, the overall policy framework has remained consistent across different governments, contributing to its success.
“In other countries, tax incentives and exemptions are often implemented and then abruptly withdrawn,” explained Bu.
While the European Union has mandated a ban on the sale of carbon-dioxide-emitting cars by 2035, with potential exceptions for vehicles powered by fuels derived from captured CO2, Norway’s proactive policies have already yielded tangible results. Fully electric cars surpassed traditional petrol cars on Norwegian roads in 2024, constituting more than 28% of all vehicles driven in the country as of December, according to Public Road Administration data.
[source: Reuters]
