Norway has broken its own record for full-year electric vehicle (EV) sales, with 88.9% of new cars sold being all-electric in 2024, surpassing the previous year’s 82.4%. The country’s unique incentives and policies have driven this remarkable adoption rate.
However, rental car companies, which cater to tourists unfamiliar with EVs, remain a significant holdout. Despite this, native Norwegians have fully adopted electric cars as their preferred choice, with only imported ICE vehicles serving foreigners from countries with low EV sales.
The country’s rapid transition is in line with the “S-curve” of technology adoption, where adoption accelerates over time until it reaches high levels and then flattens. This pattern has been observed in other Nordic countries, which have also seen significant EV penetration.
Norway’s success can be attributed to its unique energy mix, generating nearly all its electricity from hydroelectric power, reducing emissions related to production. The country’s EV market is now accounting for over 28.6% of vehicles on the road, and diesel-only cars are becoming increasingly outnumbered by electric vehicles.
As other countries consider similar policies, it’s essential to take note of Norway’s transformation and learn from its success. With the grid capable of supporting high EV adoption and cars functioning well in cold temperatures, the benefits of a cleaner transportation system are clear.
Source: https://electrek.co/2025/01/02/in-norway-only-rental-companies-buy-gas-cars-because-tourists-dont-get-evs