How Norway Built An EV Utopia While The U.S. Is Struggling To Go Electric | CNBC Documentary

Norway leads the world in electric vehicle (EV) adoption, with over 82% of new car sales being electric in the last year. The country aims for all new cars to be zero-emission by 2025, a goal they are on track to meet. In contrast, the U.S. had only 7.6% of new car sales as electric in 2023. Norway's capital, Oslo, is also working towards electrifying public transportation and replacing gas pumps with chargers. The country's grid is supported by abundant hydropower, making EVs more affordable and sustainable.

Despite high EV adoption, there are side effects such as increased car ownership. The U.S. and China have lower EV adoption rates compared to Norway. The country's success is attributed to a combination of policy measures over the last two decades, including tax incentives and public support for green mobility. The Norwegian EV Association assists consumers in their transition to EVs, and the government provides subsidies to make them cost-competitive with traditional cars.

Norway's early adoption of EVs led to a well-established charging infrastructure, with chargers being more common than gas stations. The country also focuses on electrifying public transportation, with Oslo aiming to have zero-emission public transit by the end of the year. Charging at home is the most common method, but public chargers are abundant and fast, with partnerships between charging companies and businesses to provide charging spots.

Home charging remains the most practical for EV owners in Norway, with many having charging setups at their residences. The city of Oslo has installed chargers in public parking areas and parking garages to cater to those living in apartments. The city has been proactive in establishing EV infrastructure, converting public buses to electric and installing numerous public chargers, with costs shifting from taxpayers to user fees over time.

Economic incentives have played a significant role in Norway's EV adoption, with high taxes on polluting cars and exemptions for zero-emission vehicles. However, as EVs become the norm, some benefits like access to bus lanes and discounts on public transit are being reevaluated. The government is also considering the impact of heavier EVs on road wear and the need for EV owners to contribute to road maintenance costs.

Norway's EV market includes a robust used car segment, with batteries proving to be durable over time. There are plans in place for battery recycling under EU regulations. While some skeptics argue about the environmental impact of EVs, the country addresses these concerns by promoting the use of renewable energy sources like hydropower and planning for wind energy production.

The development of charging infrastructure has presented challenges, including ensuring timely construction permits and adequate power supply. There's a need for standardization in charging technology to facilitate plug-and-play compatibility. Lessons learned from Norway's experience emphasize the importance of government support in establishing the initial infrastructure to kickstart the EV market.

Despite the growth of EVs, misconceptions persist about their charging and environmental impact. In reality, most charging is done at home, and the transition to EVs is seen as irreversible by many Norwegians. The country's experience shows that once the initial infrastructure is in place, the market can sustain itself, and the benefits of EVs become clear.