Norway set up as the first to switch to electric vehicles

Norway is to become the first country in the world that effectively erases gas and diesel cars from the new car market.

Despite the extensive oil and gas reservesThe Nordic country has long been considered to be A global leader in the field of sustainable transport. Its sale of electric vehicles (EV) increased from less than 1% of the total sales of cars in 2010. 88.9% last year – And this trend does not show any signs of slowdown.

Data published By the Norwegian public road administration, which is responsible for the national road network, it was found that EV accounted for over 96% of new cars sold during the first few weeks of this year.

He puts Norway in touching the distance from the full electrical-realization of the non-binding goal, which was first established by legislators in 2017.

Christina Bu, the Secretary General of Norwegian EV Association (NEVA), which represents the owners of electric cars in the country, expects Norway to hit this purpose. In fact, BU said that plans to organize an event are underway to celebrate what she said that she would be a historic milestone.

“We have already invited many politicians and various stakeholders to the party on February 13, because we do not know exactly until the year is over, but everyone says that we will end between 95% and 100% this year,” BU said CNBC via the merger video.

“So in such times with (President Donald) Trump withdraws the US with Climate contract And everything, I think we have to celebrate the achievements we managed – she added.

With the pursuit of the US withdrawal from the landmark Parisian contractTrump also aimed at a few Low carbon technologies last week. It embraced reversal Execution order Joe Biden Biden, which until 2030 set 50% of electric vehicles.

Trump's executive, which was criticized by EV supporters, was designed To “eliminate the mandate of an electric vehicle (EV) and promote the real selection of consumers.”

For comparison, the European Union adopted Legislation aimed at effective ban on selling new cars emitting coal from 2035, while Great Britain he said It prohibits the sale of new cars powered only by combustion engines by 2030.

Some of the Norwegian EV incentives include VAT exemption, discounts on road and parking taxes and access to bus lanes. The government has intensively invested in public charging infrastructure, and many Norwegian households are able to burden their cars at home.

Kroglund described changes as a “new norm” for the country of 5.5 million. “Transport is a large part of the answer to climate -friendly solutions. So we must make sure that some successes we have achieved with cars can be used in other areas of the transport sector, “said Kroglund CNBC via a video.

Kroglund said that the country planned to fully move on to electric city buses in 2025, while creating heavy 75% renewable vehicles until the end of the decade.

While the sale of new cars in Norway is nearly 100% electric, there are still a lot of vehicles with internal combustion engines. BU Neva said that 28% of cars are fully electric at the national level, although it increases to over 40% in the capital of Oslo.

“So many middle-aged men approached me to say:” I have never intended to get an electric car-not “, and then say:” But now I lead … “and they tell me about the model they are guided and enthusiastically approaching technology and everyone – said BU.

“All our society has undergone this mental change. I mean it is not like the Norwegians are more green or more susceptible to this than others. It was the policy that did it, and people quickly understood and changed their thinking, “she added.

It is believed that the lack of producers of producers in Norway has benefited from EV adoption indicators over the years.

Indeed, BU said that although political debates often take place on the advantages of departing from internal combustion engines, people against switch “were not strong enough or organized enough”.

Unlike Norway, the pursuit of full electric, EVS accounted for 8.1% of total sales in the US in 2024. This number increased from 7.8% of the market share in 2023, according to the research company for market research Cox Automotive.

In Great Britain, Industry data showed that EV accounted for almost 20% of the registration of new cars in 2024.

Rico Luman, a senior economist of the transport and logistics sector at the Dutch bank, said that Norwegian EV leadership shows that other countries can follow in their footsteps.

“Norway is a global leader and in this respect an example for other countries. However, we must also remember that Norway is one of the most prosperous countries in Europe that can easily afford relentless budgets, “Lanman said CNBC via e -mail.

“Another issue is that energy is relatively cheap in Norway (as a large exporter of oil and gas), which makes EV more attractive. Most others cannot reach this level – and think about it What happened in Germany After a sudden number of subsidies for the general public after budget restrictions, “said Luman.

Germany, the largest economy in Europe, suddenly removed EV subsidies at the end of 2023 following agreement To overcome the budget crisis. The ruling government of the country which he broke down At the end of last year, since then Agreement According to the proposal to ensure a tax relief for electric cars in connection with falling sales.

Harald Nils Røstvik, a professor at Norway at the University of Stavanger, said that he does not expect Norway that Norway would not make it during the passage of EV.

“The advantages of an electric car are so many compared to a noisy diesel car. It is quiet, it is more economical, it looks good, it is a kind of status for many, it is clean, you do not have to move the oil filter, you do not have to open the mask – said Røstvik CNBC via a video.

“We will not return to the bulky, noisy, dirty diesel car. I mean that for the majority. It's just not logical, “said Røstvik.