Norway has become the first country in the world where the sales of electric cars have outperformed those that rely on conventional fuels…
Electric Cars Dominate in Norway
Norway has become the first country in the world in which the sale of electric cars has overtaken those of vehicles running on conventional fuels. The zero-emission vehicles now boast a market share of 54.3% in the Scandinavian country. This figure is up from 42.4% in 2019 and around 1% back in 2010. That’s according to the Norwegian Road Federation (OFV). The Norwegian government is seeking to end the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles by 2025; the earliest target date in the world.
As a part of its strategy in promoting clean motoring, its exempt EVs from taxes otherwise imposed on those that use fossil fuels. This policy, in conjunction with a range of other incentives, has turned the country into a hotbed of electrification experiments. Øyvind Thorsten, the chief executive of OFV, said “we’re definitely on track to reach the 2025 target”. Christina Bu who heads the Norwegian EV Association, was more specific. She said “our preliminary forecast is for electric cars to surpass 65% of the market in 2021. If we manage that, the goal of selling only zero-emission cars in 2025 will be within reach”.
Lessons to be Learnt
Norway has, in many respects, set an example for other countries to follow. In the UK, a recent 2030 target for a ban on the sale of new ICE vehicles is planned. However, EVs made up just 6.6% of the market share in 2020. Whilst this has risen sharply over recent years, it means electric vehicles remain an overall niche affair. So, how is it that the Norwegian government has managed to make such enormous progress and so soon? Well, it’s all down to incentives.
In Norway, driving an electric car means you can opt to use bus lanes without fear of fines; dodging rush hour traffic. Parking, in many instances, is also free for drivers of electric cars. The country, which also boasts innumerable fjords, rivers and lakes, also offers free or discounted ferry rides to EV drivers. As was mentioned earlier, EVs are also exempt from taxes faced by diesel, petrol and hybrid vehicles. In other words, owning an EV in Norway is cost-effective and practical; it’s not simply a ‘green’ statement. It also helps that the country boasts an impressive and fit-for-purpose public charging network. The lesson for the UK, then, is that EV sales will take off precisely when owning an electric vehicle becomes more accessible and practical than owning a diesel or petrol equivalent.
EV Sales Have Doubled Year-On-Year, And it’s Largely Thanks To Fleets – https://autoservefleet.co.uk/latest-news/ev-sales-have-doubled-year-on-year-and-it-s-largely-thanks-to-fleets/
Hyundai And Apple Weigh Up Electric Car Partnership – https://autoserve.co.uk/motoring-news/hyundai-and-apple-weigh-up-electric-car-partnership/
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