Norway's Electric Vehicle Sales Reach Nearly 90% as Incentives Drive Adoption

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Norway has emerged as a global leader in electric vehicle (EV) adoption, with almost 90% of cars sold last year being electric. This significant shift, accelerated by public incentives and policies, was initiated in the 1990s. Norway abolished the road tax for electric vehicles in 1990 and eliminated VAT on these cars in 2001, making them more affordable than traditional petrol or diesel vehicles.

Currently, Norway boasts the world's highest ratio of battery-powered cars to petrol cars. Despite facing a cold climate and low population density, the Nordic nation has successfully transformed its road transport system, aided by technological advancements. The number of electric vehicle models available has increased from fewer than 10 in 2014 to over 160 today, with Tesla now leading sales in the country.

Public charging infrastructure has also improved, with 30,000 charging points available, making it the second-largest network in Europe relative to its population. Norway's government has set a target for all new vehicle purchases to be zero-emission by 2025, and while 100% may not be reached this year, sales of green cars are expected to exceed 95%.

Norway’s scenario contrasts sharply with countries like Spain, where electric vehicle sales are only 5.8%. Barriers in Spain include cumbersome access to direct subsidies and a lack of compelling public incentives.

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