Norway's electric car lobby warns of double hit from tax cuts and toll changes
The Norwegian EV association says upcoming VAT reductions for new electric cars and possible higher toll rates could together strain owners.
Norway now has over one million electric cars on its roads, representing about 35% of all drivers. The government intends to remove the VAT advantage for new electric vehicles, which will raise their purchase price. At the same time, a budget draft suggests that local authorities could raise toll rates for light zero-emission vehicles to match those for conventional cars, up to 100% of the regular rate, if they choose to do so.
Christina Bu warns that the combination of higher upfront costs and the loss of discounted tolls could deter potential buyers and undermine climate goals. The toll change is specifically mentioned for the Nord-Jæren area, where the transport ministry proposes the option but leaves the final decision to local councils. Bu stresses that if tolls rise in one region, other regions may follow, eroding the nationwide advantage currently enjoyed by electric-car drivers.
Why it matters
Higher costs could slow Norway's transition to electric vehicles, affecting climate targets and driver expenses.
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