Norway is on track to become the first country in the world to completely phase out fossil fuel-powered cars, achieving an almost total transition to electric vehicles (EVs). As of early 2025, over 96% of new car sales in the country are electric, marking a significant milestone in its green transportation policies.
According to data from the Norwegian Public Roads Administration, EVs accounted for less than 1% of new car sales in 2010. However, thanks to strong government incentives, infrastructure investments, and increased environmental awareness among citizens, this figure surged to 88.9% in 2024. By early 2025, the percentage had already exceeded 96%, putting the country on the verge of a full transition.
Christina Bu, Secretary General of the Norwegian Electric Vehicle Association, stated, “We can’t say for sure what the final number will be at the end of the year, but everything indicates that we’ll end up between 95% and 100%.”
Norway’s success in EV adoption is largely due to its progressive policies and strong financial incentives:
Norway’s transition provides a potential roadmap for other nations looking to phase out internal combustion engine vehicles. However, experts caution that replicating this success may not be straightforward. Norway, a country rich in oil resources, has used its fossil fuel revenues to fund ambitious green policies, something that may not be feasible for all countries.
Still, with more European nations setting ambitious carbon reduction targets, Norway’s example could accelerate global EV adoption and drive further investments in sustainable mobility solutions.
This historic shift is not just a victory for Norway but a landmark moment for the global automotive industry and environmental sustainability.
