Norway is set to become the first country to fully transition to electric vehicles

Norway is set to become the first country in the world to effectively erase gasoline and diesel cars from its new car market.

Despite Its Vast Oil and Gas ReservesThe Nordic Country has long been recognized as A global leader in sustainable transportationIts Electric Vehicle (EV) Sels has increased from Less Than 1% of Total Auto Saves in 2010 to a Whopping 88.9% last year – And this trend does not show any sign of slowing.

Data Published By the Norwegian Public Roads Administration, which is responsible for the country’s national road network, found Evs Accounted for more than 96% of new cars sold in the firist few whites of this year.

It puts norway with touching distance of going full electric-realizing a non-binding goal that was first installed by lawmakers back in 2017.

Christina Bu, Secretary General of the Norwegian Ev Association (NEVA), which represents Electric Car Ownes in the Country, Expects Norway to Hit this target. In Fact, Bu Said Plans Were Underway to Hold a party to celebrate what she said would be a history.

“We have alredy invited a lot of politics and different stakers to a party on the 13th of februry beCause, we don’t know exactly until the year ended % And 100% this year, “Bu Told CNBC via video call.

“So, in time like this with (President Donald) Trump withdrawing The US from the Climate Agreement And everything, I think we need to celebrate the achievements that we have managed, “She added.

AlongSide a push to withdraw the US from the landmark Paris AgreementTrump also took aim at several low-carbon technologies Last Week. This inclined revoking Predcessor joe biden’s non-binding executive Order which targeted 50% Electric vehicle sales by 2030.

Trump’s Executive Order, which was criticized by ev advocates, was designed To “Eliminate the Electric Vehicle (EV) Mandate and Promote True Consumer Choice.”

Comparatively, The European Union adopted Legislation to effectively ban sales of new carbon-right cars from 2035, while the uk has said It will ban the sale of new cars powered soly by internal combustion engines by 2030.

Some of Norway’s Ev Incoming Include a Vat Examption, Discounts on Road and Parking Taxes and access to bus lanes. The government has also invested invested in Public Charging Infrastructure, and many Norwegian Househlds are able to charge their cars at home.

Kroglund described the changes as a “new normal” for the country of 5.5 million. “Transport is a big part of the answer for climate-friendly C via video call .

Kroglund said the country planned to fully transition to electric city buses in 2025, while making heavy-duty vehicles 75% renewable by the end of the decade.

While new car sales in norway are close to 100% Electric, there are still planty of vehicles with internal combustion engines on the road. Neva’s Bu Said 28% of Cars are full Electric at the National Level, Although this Rices to over 40% in the capital oslo.

“So many midle-ready men have come up to me to say: ‘I was never going to get an Electric car-not at all, not all,’ and next they say: ‘but now I drive a…’ and they go to the model They Drive and Get All Enthusiastic about the Technology and Everything, “Bu said.

“Our Whole Society has gone through this men mental shift. I mean, it’s not like Norwegians Are Grener or More Prone Do This Kind of Thing Thans Others About this, ” She added.

The lacques of an automaker lobby in Norway is thought to have benefited the country’s Ev Adoption Rate over the years.

Indeed, Bu Said While There Have Frequent Been Political Debates About The Merits of Transitioning Away from Internal Combustion Engines, that oppose the switch “hanstone “

By contrast to norway’s push to go full electric, EVS Accounted for 8.1% of Total Us Sales in 2024. Cox automotive,

In the UK, Industry Data Showed that Evs Made Up Nearly 20% of New Car Registrations in 2024.

Rico Luman, Senior Sector Economist for Transport and Logistics at Dutch Bank Ing, said Norway’s Ev Leadership Shows that it is possible for countense to Follow Suit.

“Norway is a global front-Runner, and in this respect also an example for other counts. Entless Budgets, “Luman Told CNBC via email.

“Another point is that energy is relatively cheap in Norway (As Large Oil and Gas Exporter), which makes evs more attractive. What Happy In Germany After the Sudden Phase out for Subsidies for the General Public Following Budget Constraints, “Luman said.

Germany, Europe’s Larget Economy, Abruptly Removed Ev Subsidies in Late 2023 in the wake of an Agreement to overcome a budget crisis. The Country’s Ruling Coalition Government, which collapsed Late Last Year, Has Since agreed on a proposal to provide some tax relieve for electric cars amid falling sales.

Harald Nils Røstvik, A Professor at Norway’s University of Stavanger, Said He Does Not Expect Norway to Backslide on its Ev Transition,

“The Advantages of An Electric Car Versus a Noisy Diesel Car Are SO Many. It’s quiet, it’s more economical, they look, good, it’s a kind of status symbol for many, it’s clean, you don’T’s Ned to shifst You don’t have to open the bonnet, “Røstvik Told CNBC via Video Call.

“We will not return to the bulky, noisy, dirty diesel car. I mean, for the majority. It is just not logical,” Røstvik Said.