Norway has achieved a historic milestone as the number of electric vehicle (EV) owners has surpassed that of traditional gasoline and diesel cars for the first time. Currently, Norway boasts approximately 2.8 million registered vehicles, with over 754,300 being fully electric, compared to 753,900 gasoline vehicles.
This significant achievement positions Norway as a leader in the electrification of transportation, aiming to sell only zero-emission vehicles by 2025, ten years ahead of the European Union's target.
Government incentives, including generous tax breaks, have made EVs more affordable, closely matching the prices of fossil fuel vehicles. Despite the push for electrification, Norway faces challenges balancing its climate policies with its status as a major fossil fuel exporter.
Experts emphasize the need for carbon capture and storage technologies to meet carbon neutrality goals while continuing to supply natural gas to enhance European energy security.
The growth in EV sales in Norway mirrors a global trend, with 14 million new electric vehicles sold worldwide last year, representing 18% of total car sales. In the U.S., EV sales reached 1.4 million, a 40% increase from the previous year, while Europe saw sales rise to 3.2 million units, up 20%.