In Norway, 80% of car sales are electric

In the first six months of 2022, the Norwegian automotive market recorded 4 out of 5 sales as electric, a world record.

For over ten years, Norway has been a laboratory for electric cars in Europe. The country’s progress is astonishing, representing what the French car market could look like in 8 years.

Wild Growth in Norway

In 2012, electric cars accounted for only 2.9% of the market in Norway. This share rose to 5.5% in 2013 and then 12.5% in 2014, matching the current French market. Then sales stagnated, reaching 17% in 2015 before dropping to 16% in 2016 and surging again to 21% in 2017. After that, growth became steady: 31% in 2018, 42% in 2019, 54% in 2020, and 64.5% in 2021.

Motorizations market auto Norway 2012-2021 — Evolution 2012-2021, with gasoline (Bensin) and plug-in hybrid (Ladbar Hybrid). (Image ©OFV)

And it continues even more strongly in 2022. However, in the first half of the year, Norway registered 68,505 cars, down 18%. In this challenging context, electric cars still gained ground (54,187 units, +13%), increasing their share to 79% across all powertrains! Moreover, the rest of the market is also highly electrified.

	First half 2022	*First half 2021*	Raw Change
Electric	79.1%	57.3%	+13%
Plug-in Hybrid	9.3%	25.4%	-70%
Hybrid	4.7%	7.1%	-46%
Gasoline	3.5%	5.1%	-44%
Diesel	3.4%	5.1%	-46%

Norwegian automotive market figures by powertrain

Of the remaining 21%, 14% are hybrids, including 9.3% plug-in hybrids (and thus 4.7% traditional hybrids). Their sales have, however, fallen 65% compared to 2021 in the face of electric cars. Thermal vehicles account for the remaining shares: 3.5% each for gasoline and diesel.

A Market Dominated by Tesla and German Brands

Pioneer in luxury electric vehicles, Tesla has topped the Norwegian charts. The American manufacturer initially placed its Model 3 sedan at the top of sales when it arrived in early 2019. But the core of the market is SUVs and all-wheel drive. It’s no surprise to see the Tesla Model Y rise to number 1, with 6,130 units.

Tesla Model Y white — The Tesla Model Y, number 1 car in Norway in 2022

Following that, the top 5 in Norway is mainly German, especially from the VW group. The VW ID.4, Skoda Enyaq, and Audi Q4 e-tron share the sales, with BMW iX also making an appearance. Four other electric models follow: Hyundai Ioniq 5, Polestar 2, Ford Mustang Mach-E, and Audi e-tron. It’s not until the 10th position that a non-fully electric vehicle appears, the Volvo XC40, which also has thermal and plug-in hybrid versions.

The Top 10 Models in Norway from January to June 2022: