Norway becomes first country to nearly complete transition to EVs

Norway reported that over 97% of its new car sales in late 2025 and early 2026 were electric, following decades of incentives that began in 1990. Officials say tax exemptions and an expanding public charging network helped drive the shift.

Norway has moved to a near-total transition to electric cars, with more than 97% of new car sales in late 2025 and early 2026 reported as electric. This outcome follows decades of government incentives that began in 1990. State secretary Cecilie Knibe Kroglund told IEEE Spectrum that tax exemptions were introduced before electric vehicles entered the market and helped offset early disadvantages. Kroglund also said the market for charging infrastructure is now considered commercially viable and no longer needs financial support. Key facts: - Over 97% of Norway's new car sales in late 2025 and early 2026 were electric, according to IEEE Spectrum. - Norway began offering major EV incentives in 1990, including exemptions from registration and import taxes. - Kroglund said tax exemptions were introduced before EVs came to market and were decisive in offsetting early disadvantages such as range and size. - The article reports Norway has an estimated more than 9,478 public fast chargers. - Kroglund described the charging market as commercially viable and not requiring continued financial support. - The article also notes that U.S. drivers may face more limited public charging access and mentions services such as Qmerit and EnergySage that support home charger and solar installation. Summary: Norway's decades-long incentive program coincided with a substantial shift in new-car purchases toward electric vehicles and with a larger public fast-charging network. The article frames Norway's approach as a possible blueprint for other countries. Undetermined at this time.