In a historic development for the electric vehicle (EV) industry, Norway has become the first country where electric cars outnumber petrol-powered vehicles. According to the Norwegian Road Federation (OFV), as of September 2024, there are 754,303 all-electric cars in Norway compared to 753,905 petrol-powered vehicles, marking a significant shift in country’s automotive landscape.
This is historic. A milestone few saw coming 10 years ago.
Oyvind Solberg Thorsen, Director OFV
Diesel models remain most numerous at just under one million, but their sales are falling sharply. As per estimates, the speed at which Norway’s car fleet is being renewed its is possible that in 2026 country will have more electric cars than diesel cars as well. The electrification of the fleet of passenger cars is going quickly, and Norway is thereby rapidly moving towards becoming the first country in the world with a passenger car fleet dominated by electric cars.
The rapid pace of vehicle fleet electrification has been driven by a combination of government policies, including tax incentives, rebates, and a strong push towards achieving the country’s 2025 goal of selling only zero-emission vehicles. EVs now dominate new car sales, with electric vehicles accounting for an impressive 94.3% of new registrations in August 2024, boosted by high demand for electric car models such as the Tesla Model Y.
Contrasts with Europe
Norway, not a member of Euro & paradoxically a major oil and gas producer, as set a target to sell only zero-emission vehicles by 2025, 10 years ahead of the European Union’s goal. Norway’s success stands in contrast to challenges faced in other parts of Europe, where EV adoption has slowed due to a lack of infrastructure and declining government incentives.
According to the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA), electric car sales began falling at the end of 2023, and in June 2024, battery-electric cars accounted for 14.4% of the EU car market, down from 15.1% the previous year. At the same time, hybrid-electric vehicles increased their market share, growing from 24.4% to 29.5%. (source)
For the EV industry, Norway’s achievement is not just a national victory but a clear indication of the potential for a fully electric future globally. As other nations look to Norway as a model, this milestone will likely inspire further policy shifts and technological advancements worldwide.
