In the race towards electric vehicle adoption, Norway emerges as the undisputed champion, boasting the highest adoption rate globally.

While the U.S. grapples with accelerating its transition to electric mobility, Norway offers a blueprint for success.

According to the Norwegian Road Federation, a staggering 82% of new car sales in Norway in 2023 were electric vehicles, a stark contrast to the 7.6% figure recorded in the U.S. during the same period, as estimated by Kelley Blue Book.

Even in China, the world’s largest auto market, EVs accounted for only 24% of new car sales in 2023, according to the China Passenger Car Association.

New cars

Ragnhild Syrstad, the state secretary of the Norwegian Ministry of Climate and Environment, articulates Norway’s ambitious vision: “Our goal is that all new cars by 2025 will be zero-emission vehicles. We think we’re going to reach that goal.”

Norway’s journey towards an EV utopia began in the 1990s when the government initiated incentives for EV purchases, including free parking, access to bus lanes, toll exemptions, and crucially, zero taxes on zero-emission vehicles.

Australia should follow Norway’s lead on EVs

However, it was the arrival of models from Tesla and other manufacturers approximately a decade ago that ignited widespread consumer interest.

Transport infrastructure

Not stopping at personal vehicles, Norway’s capital, Oslo, is electrifying its entire transportation infrastructure, from ferries and buses to semi-trucks and construction equipment.

Gas pumps and parking meters are being replaced by EV chargers, painting a picture of a futuristic electric ecosystem.

The country’s abundance of hydropower has facilitated this transition, ensuring a reliable and sustainable energy source to power EVs.