Norway’s Electric Vehicle Revolution: Success, Challenges, and Controversy
Norway is poised to become the first nation to effectively eliminate gasoline and diesel car sales, achieving over 96% electric vehicle (EV) sales in early 2025. This success stems from consistent, long-term government policies incentivizing EV adoption, including tax breaks and infrastructure investment, rather than outright bans. The country’s rapid shift, contrasted with the U.S.’s 8.1% EV market share in 2024, demonstrates the potential for other nations to follow suit, though Norway’s affluence and cheap energy are significant contributing factors. The transition is considered a “new normal,” with plans to electrify city buses by 2025 and heavily reduce emissions from heavy-duty vehicles.
John Q. Hosedrinker