September 04, 2024 – Norway, a leading producer of oil and gas, has set a new world record in electric vehicle (EV) sales. In August, EVs accounted for a staggering 94% of all car sales in the country, as reported by the Norwegian Road Federation (OFV) on Monday.
Among the 11,114 cars sold in August, approximately 94% were electric, driven by the country’s generous tax incentives for EVs and additional benefits such as access to bus lanes and parking discounts. This remarkable feat is a significant step towards Norway’s ambitious goal of having a 100% zero-emission vehicle fleet by 2025.
Oyvind Solberg Thorsen, the director of OFV, expressed optimism about the trend, stating, “If this continues, we will soon achieve our target of having a 100% zero-emission fleet by 2025.” He also noted that the total car sales had increased slightly compared to last year, indicating “a slight improvement in people’s economic situation.”
In August, Tesla’s Model Y was a clear favorite, with over 2,000 units sold. The Volvo EX30 and Skoda Enyaq also performed well, with 932 and over 700 sales, respectively. Diesel and gasoline cars, on the other hand, accounted for only 2% of sales.
From January to August this year, EVs represented nearly 87% of new passenger car sales in Norway. This achievement is particularly notable given that Norway’s target is to sell only zero-emission vehicles by 2025, a decade ahead of the European Union’s goal.
In contrast, high prices and inadequate infrastructure have hindered EV sales in other parts of Europe, where hybrid models have seen an increase in popularity. Norway’s success story serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for other countries striving to transition to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly transportation system.
