The future is electric! The EV revolution in Norway – explanations and lessons learned

Panel: 4. Transport and mobility: How to deliver energy efficiency

This is a peer-reviewed paper.

Authors:
Håvard Vaggen Malvik, Statkraft AS, Norway
Ole Henrik Hannisdahl, Grønn Bil Norge, Norway
Guro Bøe Wensaas, Energi Norge, Norway

Abstract

The paper will present an analysis of the ongoing electric vehicles (EV) revolution in Norway focusing on the measures that have been introduced to support a modal shift away from the classical motor car. Different policy measures, EV infrastructure and EV technology developments and their coherence will be examined. The paper will also look into the situation for EV in other North European countries before lessons learned are drawn. A list of policies that needs to be in place before one could expect an EV take-off in a given country will also be presented.

Totally there are now 8.500 EV’s driving on Norwegian roads – an increase of 3000 in 2012 alone. 5.2 % of the total sale of new cars in September 2012 was EV’s (585 ). If this trend continues, there will be more than 10.000 electric cars in Norway by the end of 2012. So how did this EV- revolution in Norway come about?

Policy measures in use: Free parking in publicly owned parking spaces; no road toll; access to bus lanes; free admission on national road ferries for the car (not the driver); increased mileage allowance in public sector (NOK 4 / km instead of NOK 3.50 / km); 50% taxable benefit if used as a company car.

Infrastructure in place: In September 2012 there are 3.435 charging points installed in Norway – and the number is steadily increasing. So far there are app. 40 fast charging points. Most of them are free of charge and placed on public grounds. The governmental agency Transnova is central in financing the infrastructure.

Technology development: The growing number of EV automakers, the increasing comfort in new cars and the price competition between different EV’ manufacturers is also important factors.

The paper will further have a look at the market penetration and the main differences in EV policy in Sweden, Denmark and Germany – before a list of lessons to be learned for other countries are presented. Finally, the need for a coherent European EU EV policy will be briefly touched upon.