Norway has long been the global leader in electric vehicle adoption, with nine out of ten new cars running solely on electricity in 2024, according to NAF and Boosted.
But despite their overwhelming dominance, a growing number of drivers are having second thoughts about going fully electric, raising doubts about whether Norway will hit its ambitious goal of 100 percent EV sales by 2025.
Not Everyone’s Sold
EV sales in Norway aren’t slowing down—if anything, they’re still climbing. By 2025, projections suggest 95 percent of new car buyers will opt for electric.
But beneath the surface, there’s hesitation.
"The last months of last year show that most new car buyers are choosing electric vehicles, and we believe this trend will continue," said Nils Sødal, senior communications advisor at NAF.
However, he admitted that while new gasoline and diesel cars are becoming rare, there’s still a strong appetite for used combustion-engine vehicles, ensuring petrol and diesel remain part of Norway’s car market for years to come.
Divided Opinions on EV Future
A new NAF survey shows that not everyone is ready to go all-in on electric cars. In fact, less than half of respondents (46 percent) are sure their next car will be electric.
And the divide between current EV owners and those who still drive gas-powered cars is striking.
77 percent of current EV owners say they will stick with electric for their next car.
24 percent remain uncertain or lean toward other options.
7 percent are determined to go back to gasoline or diesel.
Among non-EV owners, skepticism is even stronger. Only 29 percent say they are ready to switch to an electric car next time. Meanwhile, 31 percent reject the idea outright, while another 40 percent remain undecided.
"Those who have already made the transition to electric cars will largely not return to gasoline or diesel engines," Sødal noted. "But some still need alternatives."
