Norway has set a new record for electric car sales, continuing its pioneering track record for the EV market.

Norway is on track with aims for all new cars sold to be zero emission by the end of 2025

Nearly nine in 10 (89%) of all new passenger cars sold in 2024 were fully electric, up from 82.4% in 2023, according to the Norwegian Road Federation (OFV).

OFV figures also reveal that the top 10 new passenger cars for Norway were exclusively all-electric, headed up by the Tesla Model Y, followed by the Model 3 and Volvo EX30.

Such pioneering EV take-up is on the back of over three decades of ‘carrot and stick’ tax policies that favour EVs and place higher taxes on fossil fuel-powered vehicles.

The figures put the Scandinavian country on track with aims for all new cars sold to be potentially zero emission by the end of 2025 – and compare to the UK’s own EV sales stats that reveal 19.6% of new cars were fully electric in 2024.

Sam Rawson, enterprise director at EV charging platform Monta, said the news about Norway being on course to be the first nation to go all-electric gives a fascinating glimpse into how sustained commitment and collaboration can deliver transformative results.

“One crucial takeaway from Norway’s success is government-led support for electrification. For over three decades, Norwegian policymakers have embraced a consistent message, driving incentives and support to make EVs a practical and cost-effective choice for consumers. These incentives, from tax breaks to reduced toll fees, have made EV ownership not just an eco-conscious decision but also a financially savvy one.”

He also pointed out that while the UK has made significant progress with over 73,000 public chargers, the figure of 447 chargers per 100,000 people in Norway versus just 89 in the UK is a stark reminder of the road still ahead.

Rawson has called for the UK to continue its path to EV take-up with long-term policies that prioritise charging infrastructure and support consumers in transitioning away from internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles.

He added: “For charge point operators (CPOs), the cost of infrastructure development remains a key challenge. Rapid deployment of fast-charging stations, particularly in rural and less densely populated areas, requires significant investment and innovative solutions. To address these costs, collaboration across the EV ecosystem; involving government, manufacturers, energy providers and CPOs is essential.”

The Monta director also said Norway’s experience highlights the critical importance of collective action.

“Private–public partnerships and coordinated efforts will be the key to creating a charging network that serves the needs of millions of future EV drivers in the UK.

“Ultimately, we need to ensure that EV ownership and charging become more convenient, affordable and attractive than ICE vehicle refuelling. Norway’s journey to becoming a global EV leader was no overnight success; it was a long-term, well-executed plan – a blueprint the UK can and should emulate.

“The UK can learn much from Norway’s approach. By fostering collaboration, driving down costs, and delivering a clear, consistent message about the benefits of EVs, we can accelerate the transition to sustainable mobility and pave the way for a greener future.”