Electromobility in Norway: Experiences and Opportunities

Policy Strategies for Vehicle Electrification

“…We would thus expect a reduction in energy use of more than 75% if a BEV is used instead of a conventional petrol or diesel driven passenger car. Figenbaum and Kolbenstvedt (2013a) provide figures suggesting that the energy savings may amount to between 60 and 70 per cent (Table 1). …”

“…The table above assumes a carbon free electricity. In, for example, Norway the climate gain could be 95% as most energy is produced by hydroelectric power (Figenbaum and Kolbenstvedt 2013a).…”

“…A compact ICE vehicle that competes with an electric Nissan Leaf will have a registration tax of € 5 000-10 000, and with VAT on top the tax difference will be € 10 000-15 000. In summary, the effects of incentives on price are: Fiscal effects and value of incentives Figenbaum et al (2013a) summarise the fiscal effect of incentives in Norway based on a vehicle fleet of 15 000 BEVs (Table 4). The exemption from the initial registration tax, or it could be seen as the effect of the environmental profile of the tax, means a loss of public revenue of € 34-56 million per annum.…”

“…Figenbaum and Kolbenstvedt (2013a) label this the "concept development" phase, followed in 1990 by the "test" phase. When, in 1990, the first BEV was entered into the Norwegian vehicle register, it became obvious that the high, value-based initial registration tax (purchase tax) was prohibitive for these small but expensive vehicles.…”

“…Recharging infrastructure was developed. According to Figenbaum and Kolbenstvedt (2013a), a phase of "market expansion" started in 2012, characterized by the fact that more and more people are used to BEVs or have friends that drive one. "EL" number plates are now common on Norwegian roads.…”