Norway has once again solidified its reputation as the global leader in electric vehicle (EV) adoption. In January 2025, a staggering 95.8 percent of new cars registered in the country were fully electric. Including rechargeable hybrids, the figure climbs to an astonishing 96.8 percent. With these numbers, Norway is edging ever closer to its ambitious target of selling only zero-emission vehicles.

Breaking Records in the EV Market

According to the Norwegian Road Federation (OFV), out of 9,343 new cars sold in January, 8,954 were all-electric. This is an unprecedented milestone that showcases the effectiveness of Norway’s strategic policies and incentives in pushing EV adoption. In the list of 50 top-selling models, only two were non-electric, with the highest-ranking internal combustion engine (ICE) model appearing at number 33.

“We’ve never seen this before… If the rest of the year continues like this, we will very soon be close to the 2025 goal,” said OFV director Oivind Solberg Thorsen. However, he cautioned that to achieve a full transition, incentives must continue to ensure EVs remain an attractive choice over traditional fuel-powered vehicles.

The Policy Backbone of Norway’s EV Success

One of the primary drivers of Norway’s electric revolution has been its progressive policies favoring EVs over ICE vehicles. Electric cars enjoy significant benefits, including:

• Tax Exemptions: EVs are exempt from many taxes that burden petrol and diesel cars, making them a financially sound option.
• Reduced Road and Toll Charges: Incentives such as toll-free road access and exemptions from ferry charges make EVs more cost-effective.
• Exclusive Perks: Free public parking and access to public transport lanes have further incentivized consumers to opt for electric vehicles.

While some of these incentives have been gradually phased out over the years, the momentum behind EV adoption has proven resilient. The cultural shift towards sustainability, combined with policy-driven affordability, has made EVs the new norm in Norway.

A Stark Contrast to the Rest of Europe

While Norway surges ahead, the broader European EV market tells a different story. In 2024, the share of electric cars in Europe stood at just 13.6 per cent, marking the first decline since 2020, as per the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA). December 2024 figures showed a slightly higher share of 15.9 per cent, but still far from Norway’s near-total transition.

This contrast underscores the importance of consistent policies and incentives. While Norway’s government has actively facilitated the shift to EVs, many European nations still struggle with high EV costs, inadequate charging infrastructure, and wavering incentives, slowing adoption rates.

What’s Next?

If Norway maintains this trajectory, achieving a 100 per cent zero-emission vehicle market is just a matter of time. However, the key to crossing the finish line will be sustaining the incentives that have made EVs the dominant choice. The rapid transition has proven that government policies, coupled with consumer willingness to embrace sustainability, can drive significant change in the automotive industry.

For the rest of the world, Norway’s success serves as a blueprint for the future of sustainable transportation. As nations grapple with reducing carbon emissions and tackling climate change, Norway’s electric revolution stands as a beacon of what’s possible when policies align with a greener vision for mobility.

With petrol and diesel cars now representing just a tiny fraction of new sales—1.5 per cent and 0.4 per cent, respectively—it’s clear that Norway’s future is electric. The question remains: How long before the rest of the world catches up?