Norway, renowned for its commitment to sustainable transportation, experienced a remarkable surge in electric car registrations last month. According to recent data released by the Norwegian Road Federation (OFV), a total of 15,566 new passenger cars were registered in June, representing a 4.5 percent increase compared to the previous year. Despite this positive trend, the year-to-date numbers remain slightly lower, with 66,549 registrations, reflecting a 2.9 percent decrease year-over-year.
The driving force behind this impressive growth is the rising popularity of plug-in electric vehicles, which are increasingly outpacing the general market. In June alone, a staggering 14,155 new passenger plug-in cars were registered, marking a significant 6 percent increase from the previous year. These registrations accounted for a remarkable 90.9 percent of the total volume, solidifying Norway’s position as a global leader in electric vehicle adoption. Comparatively, this share stood at 89.9 percent during the same period last year, underscoring the country’s continued commitment to sustainable mobility.
Among the plug-in electric vehicle market, all-electric cars hold particular significance. In June, a total of 12,801 new passenger battery electric vehicles (BEVs) were registered, signifying a notable 9 percent growth compared to the previous year. These BEVs commanded an impressive 82.2 percent market share, emphasizing the overwhelming preference for fully electric cars among Norwegian car buyers.
However, the same cannot be said for plug-in hybrid cars, which have been experiencing consistent year-over-year declines for the past 18 months. In June, registrations of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) witnessed a significant 19 percent drop, totaling 1,354 units. Without the allure of generous tax incentives, PHEVs face challenges in maintaining their market presence.
Analyzing the overall statistics for the month, BEVs constituted 12,801 units, representing a 9 percent increase and securing an 82.2 percent market share. PHEVs, on the other hand, experienced a decline of 19 percent, with 1,354 registrations accounting for an 8.7 percent market share. Collectively, the total plug-in electric vehicle market reached 14,155 units, reflecting a 6 percent increase and capturing a remarkable 90.9 percent market share.
In the first half of this year, Norway witnessed the registration of nearly 60,000 new passenger plug-in electric cars, which accounts for approximately 90 percent of total car sales. These figures indicate the nation’s continued commitment to promoting sustainable transportation options and reducing carbon emissions.
Looking ahead, experts predict even more substantial growth in the second half of the year, surpassing the achievements of 2022. As of now, the Tesla Model Y holds the distinction of being the best-selling car in Norway for June, with 3,127 units sold and capturing a 20.1 percent market share. Moreover, in the first half of the year, the Tesla Model Y maintained its dominance with 15,452 units sold, claiming an impressive 23.2 percent market share. Remarkably, nearly one in four new passenger car registrations so far this year has been a Tesla Model Y.
Following closely behind the Tesla Model Y, the Volkswagen ID.4 emerged as the second most popular model in June, with 1,176 units sold. The Skoda Enyaq iV secured the third spot with 759 units sold. Notably, the combined sales of the three MEB-based crossover/SUVs, including the Volkswagen ID.4, Audi Q4 e-tron, and Skoda Enyaq iV, reached 7,732 registrations in the first half of the year, which is only half the volume of the Tesla Model Y.
However, not all Tesla models experienced the same level of success. The Tesla Model 3 registered 288 units in June and a total of 1,242 units year-to-date. Similarly, the Volkswagen ID.3 saw 251 units sold in June and a total of 2,146 units year-to-date.
In addition to the Tesla dominance, other popular models in Norway include the Volvo XC40 Recharge and several Toyota models. The all-electric Toyota bZ4X, ranking fourth year-to-date, has gained significant traction among Norwegian car buyers.
