(CLO) According to new car registration data released by the Norwegian Road Federation (OFV), 88.9% of new cars sold in Norway in 2024 will be fully electric, up from 82.4% in 2023.
With an overwhelming majority of electric vehicles, Norway is on track to eliminate the sale of petrol and diesel cars by 2025, becoming the first country in the world to virtually eliminate internal combustion engines from the new car market.
An electric car charges at a charging station in Norway. Photo: AntonioJose_EV
The top-selling automakers in 2024 include Tesla, Volkswagen, and Toyota, with Chinese electric brands also accounting for nearly 10% of new car sales.
“Norway will be the first country in the world to almost completely eliminate petrol and diesel cars from the new car market,” said Christina Bu, director of the Norwegian Electric Vehicle Association.
As an oil exporter, Norway has adopted a strategy of high taxes on gasoline and diesel cars and exempting electric cars from import duties and VAT, although some taxes are set to be reintroduced in 2023.
The policy has been successful because it has been maintained continuously through many governments with different political views. This is different from many other countries, where incentives are often changed or canceled unexpectedly, according to experts.
“We don’t have a car manufacturing industry, so it has been very easy to impose high tariffs on cars,” explained Ulf Tore Hekneby, director of Harald A. Moeller, Norway’s largest car importer.
In addition, encouraging internal combustion engine vehicles instead of banning them is also considered an important factor in gaining public support. “Banning them will make people uncomfortable. No one likes being forced,” Ms. Christina Bu shared.
Data from the Norwegian Public Roads Administration shows that by the end of 2024, electric vehicles will account for 28.6% of all vehicles on the road in the country, surpassing the number of gasoline-powered vehicles.
The popularity of electric vehicles is forcing related industries to adapt. At gas stations, more and more fast-charging stations are replacing traditional gas pumps.
“Within three years, there will be as many charging stations as there are petrol pumps,” said Anders Kleve Svela, a senior manager at Circle K, Norway’s largest fuel retail chain.
Using electric vehicles in winter also poses some challenges such as longer charging times due to cold weather. However, the environmental benefits and lower operating costs have made many people willing to switch to electric vehicles.
“Sometimes I miss the feeling of filling up in just a few minutes,” said Desire Andresen, a home care worker in Oslo. “But I feel more secure driving an electric car, because it’s better for the environment and diesel cars smell bad.”
According to Ms. Cecilie Knibe Kroglund, Deputy Minister of Transport of Norway, the country's successful policy lies in building a comprehensive and long-term incentive package, creating stability and trust for the people.
Hong Hanh (according to DW, Reuters)
Source: https://www.congluan.vn/hau-het-xe-moi-ban-ra-trong-nam-2024-la-xe-dien-na-uy-sap-xoa-so-xe-xang-post328783.html
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