Norway: The First Country to End ICE Vehicle Sales in 2025
As global interest in eco-friendly transportation grows, the electric vehicle (EV) market is rapidly expanding.
But which country is leading this transition? The answer is Norway.
As of Q1 2025, 84.5% of new car registrations in Norway are electric vehicles, and EVs account for over 25% of all cars on the road.
So, how did Norway become the global leader in EV adoption? Let’s explore the key factors behind this success.
1. Bold Tax Incentives: EVs Are Actually Cheaper
One of the most powerful drivers of Norway’s EV adoption is its tax policy.
Buyers of electric vehicles are completely exempt from VAT (25%) and registration taxes.
In contrast, internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles are subject to high registration fees based on vehicle weight, CO₂ emissions, and NOx levels.
For example, a Tesla Model 3 can be purchased in Norway for around KRW 50–80 million, while similar gas-powered cars often cost more due to taxes.
This price gap makes EVs not only environmentally friendly but also the most rational and economical choice for consumers.
2. Cost-Saving Benefits: The More You Drive, the More You Save
Norway doesn’t stop at making EVs affordable—it also provides daily life benefits for EV owners, such as:
- Free or heavily discounted toll roads (up to 90%)
- Free or low-cost public parking
- Access to bus lanes (in certain areas and times)
- Discounted ferry fares
These benefits are especially impactful in cities like Oslo, where many people commute by car.
For them, EVs offer not just environmental benefits but also significant savings in time and money.
3. Over 90% of Electricity Comes from Hydropower
While EVs don’t emit exhaust gases during driving, their environmental benefit also depends on how electricity is generated.
In Norway, over 92% of electricity comes from hydropower, and renewable energy makes up 98% of the total when including wind energy.
This means that driving an EV in Norway is not just about reducing tailpipe emissions—it's part of a near-total decarbonization from energy production to mobility.
Norway’s high energy independence also allows it to maintain this transition without relying on imported fossil fuels, ensuring long-term energy and EV stability.
4. Charging Infrastructure Everywhere: Accessibility at Its Best
The convenience of EV ownership depends on the availability of charging infrastructure.
Norway excels in this area with a nationwide network of chargers in places like:
- Highways, airports, supermarkets, and gas stations
- Residential areas with government-supported private chargers
- Remote and rural regions
- A wide mix of fast and slow chargers
As a result, EV owners can drive long distances and charge easily in their daily routines.
This infrastructure, backed by public support and private investment, has helped boost diverse brand adoption in the market.
Top 10 Best-Selling EVs in Norway (2024)
| Rank | Model | Units Sold | Market Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tesla Model Y | 16,858 | 13.1% |
| 2 | Tesla Model 3 | 7,264 | 5.6% |
| 3 | Volkswagen ID.4 | 6,200 | 4.8% |
| 4 | Volvo EX30 | 5,800 | 4.5% |
| 5 | Skoda Enyaq | 5,300 | 4.1% |
| 6 | Toyota bZ4X | 4,900 | 3.8% |
| 7 | Audi Q4 e-tron | 4,500 | 3.5% |
| 8 | Volkswagen ID.3 | 4,200 | 3.3% |
| 9 | BMW i4 | 3,900 | 3.0% |
| 10 | Nissan Ariya | 3,600 | 2.8% |
This table shows Tesla’s dominance, but also highlights a variety of brands from Europe and Asia.
Norwegian consumers are open to a broad range of EV options, not limited to a single manufacturer.
5. 2025: ICE Vehicle Sales Officially Banned
In 2017, Norway announced a bold goal: to ban the sale of new gasoline and diesel cars by 2025.
At the time, many doubted it was possible—but as of April 2025, the ban is now in effect.
Norway has become the first country in the world to implement such a policy, a full 10 years ahead of the EU’s 2035 target.
While existing ICE vehicles can still be driven or sold as used cars, the vast majority of new car buyers now choose electric.
This achievement has turned Norway into not just a leader in EV adoption, but a model for sustainable mobility transformation through real policy execution.
6. A Society United by Environmental Awareness
Policy alone wasn’t enough. Norway’s EV success was also made possible by a society that shares strong environmental values:
- Cross-party political consensus on climate action
- Education and media promoting environmental awareness
- Social pride in owning an EV as a responsible choice
Norwegians don’t just drive EVs because of benefits—they see it as a personal commitment to the planet,
which leads to a high level of voluntary participation.
Conclusion: Norway Is a Global Benchmark for EV Success
Norway proves that the EV revolution is more than a technological shift—it's a systemic national transformation.
With the right combination of tax policies, infrastructure, clean energy, political will, and social buy-in,
Norway has set a precedent for other countries to follow.
As the world races toward a sustainable mobility future, Norway’s experience offers a clear roadmap and a bold inspiration for what's possible.
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