Norway has launched a new funding program aimed at promoting the adoption of electric commercial vehicles, with funds allocated on a monthly basis. The initiative, led by the business development agency Enova, will initially subsidize the procurement of 108 heavy-duty electric vehicles equipped with battery-electric or fuel cell drives.
Enova has set aside 136.5 million Norwegian kroner (approximately 11.6 million euros) to support the purchase of these electric commercial vehicles, marking the first round of funding under the new program for “heavy zero-emission vehicles.” The program consolidates two previous funding schemes in Norway and covers various vehicle categories in the truck and bus sector with a gross vehicle weight of 4.25 tonnes or more.
Under the new program, funding will be awarded through a competitive process, with Enova prioritizing electric vehicles that offer the “greatest CO2 reduction per krona.” The maximum subsidy rate is set at 60% of the additional costs compared to a comparable diesel vehicle.
Applicants are required to submit their applications before placing an order, and funding decisions will be made shortly after each monthly application deadline. Enova expects that the subsidy will result in the replacement of “several hundred vehicles.”
Norway’s Minister for Climate and Environment, Andreas Bjelland Eriksen, highlighted the environmental benefits of transitioning heavy goods vehicles to electric or hydrogen power, noting that these vehicles are responsible for a significant percentage of Norway’s greenhouse gas emissions. Eriksen praised the industry’s willingness to make the switch and emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting such initiatives, citing a 5 billion Norwegian kroner increase in Enova’s budget since taking office.
