Norway reaches 97.6% market share for new electric vehicles

Norway has reached a significant milestone in the transition to electric mobility, with battery electric vehicles (EVs) accounting for 97.6% of all new passenger car registrations in July. This record, reported by the Norwegian Road Federation (OFV), highlights a stark contrast with the rest of Europe, where EV market shares remain much lower, such as approximately 10% in Spain and 5.9% in Italy.

Norway's success is attributed to long-standing aggressive fiscal incentives, including VAT exemptions, a robust charging infrastructure, and a highly electrified energy system powered by hydropower. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), approximately 36% of the total vehicle fleet currently on Norwegian roads is electrified, including both pure EVs and plug-in hybrids.

While Norway leads globally, other European nations are also showing progress. The Netherlands and Belgium stand out among larger automotive markets, with EVs making up 7% and 6% of their respective vehicle fleets. In contrast, while countries like Germany, France, and the UK have a higher absolute number of electric vehicles, their relative market share remains around 4%.