Major Developments in 2024

September 2024 marked a historical change in Norway. The Norwegian Road Federation (OFV) reported that electric models nationally outnumbered gasoline for the first time. In 2024, electric vehicles (EVs) made up 89% of new car sales in Norway, up from 82% in 2023, moving closer to the 2025 goal of all new car sales being electric. Tesla remained the most popular car. The average price of new passenger cars dropped to €48,000. Despite increased EV sales, the passenger vehicle market was slow, due to a VAT increase in cars over €43,000 and economic downturns. Norway also surpassed its target of 9,000 fast chargers, achieving an average of 87 battery electric vehicles per charger.

As of May 6th, 2024, a local policy change in Oslo and Akershus revoked the permission for electric vehicles to use bus lanes, ending an incentive that has been in place since 2003. The National Transport Plan for 2025-2036 allocated €320,000 to support the electrification of the heavy-duty transport sector and enhance charging infrastructure for the fleet. The heavy-duty transport sector has full road toll exemptions. Small electric light commercial vehicles can also get up to 100% road toll reductions in state-involved projects, with local agreements.

The electrification of heavy-duty transport saw progress in 2024. Agder introduced 101 new electric buses, cutting annual CO2 emissions by 1,780 tons. In Finmark, two projects signed in 2024 will bring electric ferries into operation by 2026, By September 2024, 26.8 % of transport ferries were electric, and in 2025, all new ferry contracts must meet zero-emission requirements. In August, the government postponed the zero-emission requirement for large maritime vessels over 10,000 gross tonnes entering the UNESCO World Heritage fjords Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord.

Originally set in 2017, the legislation required all cruise ships to be emission-free by 2026, this deadline only applies to smaller vessels. Battery production and raw material processing facilities opened. In August, Morrow Batteries opened Norway’s first LFP battery cell production site in Arendal, aiming to deliver 5.5 GWh over seven years to Nordic Batteries. Vianode opened its commercial-scale synthetic anode graphite plant, Via ONE, at Herøya. With an annual capacity of 2,000 tonnes, it can supply anode materials for about 30,000 EVs annually.10 In November, Hydrovolt expanded its Fredrikstad operations with a new semi-automated line for used EV batteries. The facility can process up to 12,000 tonnes of battery packs annually, the world’s first for battery recycling.

Sector Insights

In September Norway’s passenger EV fleet reached 794,000, surpassing petrol cars. The fleet grew from 690,000 in 2023, with 118,000 new registrations in 2024, indicating around 13,000 EVs left the fleet. As of November 1, 2024, all taxis in Oslo must be EVs. Similar ambitions exist for many larger cities in Norway, as it is a crucial step towards reducing emissions in urban areas. Norway had 9,600 fast and ultra-fast chargers, reducing the number of BEVs per charger to 87, including Tesla Superchargers. Many chargers were upgraded to ultra-fast, with several sites offering up to 500 kW. In 2024, 11 stations provided 500 kW, and 517 stations offered 400 kW.

Demonstration Projects

In 2024, Norway continued to advance its commitment to zero-emission and electric vehicle initiatives through various pilot and demonstration projects. One notable project is in Trondheim, where one of the world’s first wireless charging roads for EVs is undergoing its test phase. This innovative project, now in its final year, features a 100-meter stretch embedded with specialised copper coils beneath the surface. These coils wirelessly transfer energy to EVs equipped with compatible receivers, allowing them to charge while in motion and when stopped.

The project, developed in collaboration with Electreon Wireless, is groundbreaking and essential for evaluating its performance under real-world conditions, particularly in Trondheim’s challenging winter climate.

This initiative not only showcases Norway’s dedication to sustainable transportation but also provides valuable insights into the feasibility and efficiency of wireless charging technology for future widespread adoption.

Outlook

As of 2025, Norway is poised to achieve its ambitious goal of ensuring all new passenger cars and light commercial vehicles sold are zero-emission. This success is largely due to a consistent policy framework that combines substantial incentives for EV adoption with high taxes on fossil fuel-powered vehicles. These incentives have included exemptions from VAT and registration taxes, reduced road tolls, and access to bus lanes, making EVs an attractive option for consumers.

However, the economic challenges have raised concerns about the sustainability of these incentives. The high cost of maintaining such generous benefits, coupled with broader economic pressures, has led to ongoing discussions about potential adjustments to the policies supporting EV adoption. Some policymakers argue that as EVs become more mainstream, the financial incentives should be gradually reduced to ensure long-term economic viability.

Despite these concerns, Norway’s commitment to zero-emission vehicles remains strong. The government continues to invest in charging infrastructure and other supportive measures to facilitate the transition. The success of Norway’s EV policies serves as a model for other countries aiming to reduce their carbon footprint and promote sustainable transportation.