Norway Set to Become the First Country to Completely End Petrol Vehicle Sales

Islamabad:Norway is on the verge of becoming the first country in the world to completely phase out the sale of petrol-powered vehicles. According to Bloomberg, the country has already begun replacing petrol pumps with electric vehicle (EV) chargers, and it’s becoming increasingly common to see electric cars parked in homes across the nation. The sale of electric vehicles (EVs) has surged rapidly, and Norway is now poised to lead the world in terms of EV usage.

Despite the country’s cold climate, mountainous terrain, and long driving distances — factors that once posed challenges to the widespread adoption of electric vehicles — Norway is rapidly transitioning away from petrol and diesel vehicles in favor of electric models. The process has gained surprising momentum in recent years, with electric vehicles now accounting for a significant portion of car sales.

In fact, by October 2024, it was reported that 94% of vehicles sold in Norway were electric, indicating that the goal of completely phasing out petrol engines could be achieved by 2025. While some tax incentives have been rolled back, the momentum towards electric vehicle adoption has not slowed.

The shift away from petrol and diesel engines is expected to bring about significant changes across various sectors. Tesla remains the most popular car brand, while demand for electric vehicles produced by Chinese companies is also rising. As more people switch to electric vehicles, fuel stations are revising their business models, and mechanics are investing in high-voltage facilities to meet the needs of the new generation of cars.

Currently, three out of every four vehicles in Norway still run on petrol or diesel, but this number is expected to drop in the near future. One of the key reasons for the success of electric vehicles in Norway is that the government has not forced their adoption. Instead, the benefits of owning and driving an electric vehicle have been clearly demonstrated, with significant savings on fuel and maintenance costs.

In 2021, the Norwegian government increased the registration fees for petrol and diesel vehicles, a move that further accelerated the adoption of electric cars. By September 2024, it was reported that out of 2.8 million vehicles registered in Norway, 754,302 were electric, while 753,905 were still petrol-powered.

This shift represents a significant step towards a cleaner, more sustainable future, and Norway’s success story is serving as an example for other nations looking to transition to greener, more energy-efficient transportation solutions.