In 2017, Norway set an ambitious goal: by 2025, 100% of vehicle sales would be electric or zero-emission. As that deadline approaches, the Nordic country is getting closer and closer to achieving this goal, demonstrating global leadership in sustainable mobility.
Meanwhile, in Spain, the situation was very different back then. In 2017, electric cars were virtually non-existent and were grouped in statistics along with hybrids. In that year, only 5.1% of cars sold in the country were electrified in some way, while the automotive market was surprised by the rise of gasoline over diesel, a trend that continues to this day.
Norway not only leads in electric vehicle sales, but also became the first country in the world where electric cars outnumber gasoline cars in its fleet. In November 2024, figures from the Norwegian Road Federation (OFV) confirmed this milestone: out of the 2.8 million cars registered in the country, 754,303 were electric, compared to 753,905 gasoline cars.
This means that the electric vehicle market in Norway grew spectacularly. In 2024, 88.9% of new cars sold were electric, surpassing the 82.4% recorded in 2023. Furthermore, in key months like November, this figure reached 93.6%. In total, the country sold 128,691 vehicles, of which 114,400 were electric.
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Keys to Norwegian Success
Norway’s success is not a coincidence, but the result of consistent and well-designed public policies:
- Fiscal Incentives: Electric cars are exempt from import tax and VAT (25%), except for vehicles exceeding 500,000 Norwegian kroner (about 43,000 euros), making their purchase more accessible.
- Disincentives to Fossil Fuels: Taxes on gasoline and diesel cars are calculated based on their weight and CO2 emissions, making their acquisition more expensive.
- Advanced Infrastructure: The country has an extensive and efficient electric charging network, facilitating the daily use of these vehicles.
Despite recent adjustments, such as the reintroduction of VAT for luxury electric cars, the market maintained its strength. In this way, Norway demonstrated that with consistent and sustainable policies, it is possible to transform a complex sector like the automotive industry.
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Contrast with the Rest of Europe
Compared to other European countries, Norway’s incentives are lower, but its consistency over time and persuasive approach were decisive. Cost savings thanks to incentives, combined with growing environmental awareness, convinced the majority of citizens to opt for electric mobility.
While other countries are still debating how to accelerate the transition to electric cars, Norway continues to lead the way. Its example makes it clear that with proper planning, the most ambitious goals are achievable, and that sustainable mobility can become a tangible reality.
China Leads in Electric and Hybrid Vehicle Sales
Sales of hybrid and electric vehicles in China experienced over 40% growth last year, as reported by a sector federation on Thursday, highlighting the sustained growth of an industry supported by the government.
Between January and December 2024, retail sales of vehicles powered by alternative energies reached 10.899 million units, representing a year-on-year increase of 40.7%, according to data from the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA). In this regard, the Chinese electric vehicle market has experienced significant growth in recent years, largely driven by government support through subsidies and favorable policies.
In fact, last year, alternative energy-powered vehicles accounted for nearly half of total retail sales, reaching 47.6%, according to the CPCA. In December 2024 alone, over 1.3 million of these vehicles were sold, representing a year-on-year increase of 37.5%. Additionally, it was the fifth consecutive month in which sales of these vehicles exceeded one million units.
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