Summary
- Plugin EVs in Norway had a record 97.5% share in September
- BEVs dominated with a 96.4% share, while PHEVs had a 1.1% share
- Overall auto volume was 12,966 units, up 25% from the previous year
- Tesla took around a third of the entire auto market in Norway
- Toyota had a significant presence in the non-BEV market, but also sold some BEVs
Article
In September, Norway saw a record 97.5% share of plugin EVs in its auto market, with BEVs dominating at 96.4% share, also a new record. Overall auto volume was up 25% year on year, with Tesla leading the market, taking around a third of all auto sales in the country. The increase in plugin EV sales can be attributed to the new GSR2 safety regulations in Europe, which have phased out older fossil-burning vehicles, leaving BEVs as the primary option. PHEVs followed as a distant runner-up in terms of market share.
Despite the dominance of BEVs in Norway, there are still a few non-BEV models being purchased, with Toyota models like Yaris, Corolla, and RAV4 (mostly HEVs) making up a small percentage of the market. However, Toyota also offers some plugless models, accounting for a significant portion of the non-BEV sales. Toyota’s focus on plugless vehicles has raised questions about its commitment to electric vehicle technology and its ability to keep up with the changing market trends in Norway.
In terms of best-selling models in September, Tesla’s Model Y and Model 3 led the pack with over 2,000 units each, securing Tesla’s position as a dominant player in the Norwegian market. Other notable models in the top-selling list included the Volvo EX30, Skoda Enyaq, and Toyota bZ4X. New entrants like the Xpeng G6 and Audi Q6 e-tron also made their mark in the market, showcasing the growing diversity of EV offerings in Norway.
The fleet transition in Norway is progressing steadily, with BEVs accounting for 26.5% and PHEVs for 7.2% of the total vehicle fleet as of September 2024. The transition to EVs has been slower in the past year compared to previous years due to economic factors and slower auto sales volumes. However, the average annual kilometers traveled on electricity have already surpassed those traveled on fossil fuels, indicating a shift towards cleaner, renewable energy sources in the transportation sector.
Looking ahead, the challenge for Norway’s EV transition lies in accelerating the replacement of old ICE cars with more cost-effective and environmentally friendly BEVs. As EV technology becomes more affordable and efficient, the transition should pick up pace, leading to higher adoption rates and a more sustainable transportation system. Economic factors and consumer behavior will play a key role in shaping the future of EV adoption in Norway and determining the success of the government’s clean energy targets.
With over 95% of Norway’s auto sales now comprised of BEVs, the focus is shifting towards other types of vehicles like vans, trucks, and buses to further reduce emissions and achieve a fully sustainable transportation system. The remaining couple percent of non-BEV sales are still a concern, and efforts are needed to eliminate them entirely to meet the country’s clean energy goals. Overall, Norway’s EV transition is a success story, but continued efforts and investments are required to maintain momentum and drive the country towards a greener future.
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