In a significant milestone for electric mobility, Norway has become the first country in the world where electric vehicles (EVs) are set to outnumber petrol-only vehicles on its roads. 

This achievement, confirmed by an analysis of data from the Norwegian Road Traffic Information Council (OFV), showed that Norway’s roads were home to 751,450 EVs, compared to 755,244 petrol-only vehicles as of the end of August 2024. 

Given the current sales trends, with EVs selling at a rate of about 10,000 vehicles per month and petrol-only vehicles barely registering any sales, experts believe the crossover point occurred in mid-September.

Both EVs and petrol-only vehicles now each constitute about 26% of the total vehicles on Norwegian roads. This shift is particularly remarkable given that peak petrol-vehicle sales in Norway were reached back in 2005.

Norway’s journey to this milestone has been driven by assertive policies promoting sustainable transport:

The effectiveness of these policies is evident in the country’s recent sales figures. In August 2024, 94% of new car sales in Norway were electric, setting a new world record and reinforcing the country’s position as the global leader in EV adoption.

Read More: Norway Sets Record With EVs Capturing 94.3% Of New Car Market In August 2024

While the rise of electric vehicles (EVs) over petrol-only vehicles marks a major milestone, diesel vehicles still maintain a notable presence on Norwegian roads. Diesel vehicles first became more common than petrol-only vehicles in late 2014, and today, there are just over a million diesel vehicles in service across the country. However, this figure is expected to dip below one million by the end of September 2024, indicating a gradual decline in diesel usage as Norway continues to shift toward cleaner transportation options.

Aside from battery EVs, there are currently around 208,000 plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) on Norwegian roads, alongside around 156,000 non-plug-in hybrids. Since 2019, plug-in hybrids have outnumbered their non-plug-in counterparts, reflecting a growing preference for partially EVs with greater fuel efficiency and lower emissions.

Notably, the shift towards EVs has had a noticeable impact on motor fuel sales in Norway. With fewer fossil fuel vehicles on the road and newer EVs being driven more frequently, the demand for petrol and diesel has significantly decreased.

Norway’s achievement stands out on the global stage. While other countries and regions are focusing on 2035 targets for phasing out new gas vehicle sales, Norway has effectively met its 2025 aspiration years ahead of schedule. In contrast, California’s 2035 “ban” on gas vehicles still allows up to 20% of vehicle sales to be PHEVs.

As a country of just under six million people, rich in natural resources including oil, gas, and hydropower, Norway has been uniquely positioned to lead this transition. However, its success provides valuable lessons and inspiration for other nations seeking to accelerate EV adoption

With Norway’s example shows that with the right policies and public support, a rapid transition to electric mobility is not only possible but can become a reality sooner than many might expect.

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