The uninformed will often say that it is just too hard to rapidly begin to convert our fleet to electric vehicles.  Actually, as Norway have shown, it’s quite easy. 

And, to dispel another myth, Norway has been able to achieve their progress, not because of their oil revenue, but because the government has introduced a compelling set of policies to accelerate EV uptake.

At the recent EV conference in Auckland Christiana Bu, Secretary General of the Norwegian EV Association gave a presentation, and these are her key messages as to why Norway has been successful.

As a first principle Norway recognise that getting rapid EV uptake was not a choice if Norway was to reach their climate emission targets.  They already had clean power so they had to focus on transport – much like New Zealand.  They also recognised that every new Internal Combustion Engine ( (ICE) car will pollute around 18 years ahead

Next, the government introduced purchase tax incentives, making the purchase of a gas guzzler more expensive and and EV cheaper creating price parity.

Secondly they rapidly built a network of fast charges across the country

Thirdly they pass laws which required new buildings to be “charging ready”, and a “right to charge” in apartment buildings.

The results have been impressive. Of new light vehicle sales 53% are already fully electric.

Already there are 54 different EV models registered in Norway.  Once you get the right policy settings then you open up the global EV market and there is much more choice for consumers

The top-selling ones are –

Contrary to popular opinion EV drivers are very happy with their purchase

45% only have an EV in their household

The neighbourhood effect has taken hold where 66% of EV owners have inspired one or more in their social circle to buy and EV.

The Climate Commission says we must rapidly decarbonise our land transport. It is not that hard – as Norway have shown – if there is the political will to get the policy settings right.