At the beginning of January, the news came: during the full year 2020, Norway became the first in the world with a new car market where over 50 percent consists of exhaust-free cars.

The milestone is the result of a long-term strategy - and money.

- Norway has by far the largest subsidies for electric cars in the world and has had it for a very long time, says Frances Sprei.

Some of the factors that were important for the development:

  • You avoid high taxes on your car

  • You do not have to pay VAT when you buy the car

  • Until 2008, you had to drive in the bus lane if you had an electric car

  • In some areas, they did not have to pay so-called tolls until 2019, now the discount can also disappear

  • Until 2020, there was free parking for electric cars in Oslo

- In the beginning, many commuters bought an electric car because they avoided the toll to get into Oslo.

Economically, it made electric cars competitive, Frances Sprei continues.

"Has a fairly strong climate policy"

Norway produces oil and at the same time leads the electric car rally, how do you get that dynamic together?

- Norway has generally seen a fairly strong climate policy.

Oil is an export commodity and domestic production is in principle carbon dioxide-free, while the transport sector accounts for a large share of emissions.

Subsidizing electric cars will therefore be a way to reduce emissions.

Is it the oil that finances the success of the electric car?

- I do not know if I want to drag it that far.

But having good government finances due to oil means that you can afford to invest in new technology and subsidies.

Sweden can do that

We already have some subsidies in Sweden, what should we do to catch up with the Norwegian?

- The bonus / malus system is good, it has contributed to increased sales.

It is clear that you can do it even cheaper, but the development in Sweden is positive.

The range of models is important, but it is difficult for Sweden to influence.

- To some extent, it is about infrastructure with good access to charging stations so that people can feel safer with the electric car.

Many people manage to charge the car at home, but charging stations become a kind of insurance.

Recently, an expert group commissioned by the Norwegian government came to the conclusion that the benefits of free car duties for electric cars should be abolished.

The country's goal is to stop selling fossil fuel cars by 2025.