The Norwegian automotive market has continued its dramatic shift towards electrification, with internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles now representing a minuscule fraction of new car sales. In February, a mere 12 petrol vehicles were sold nationwide, marking a stark decline that underscores the dominance of battery electric vehicles (BEVs), which captured 98 per cent of the market share in the same period.
The Fading Footprint of Fossil Fuel Vehicles
This data follows a previous observation in August 2024, when 45 petrol vehicles were sold in July. The latest figures from Opplysningsrådet for Veitrafikken (OFV), Norway’s road traffic information council, reveal the composition of the remaining ICE and hybrid sales.
Beyond the 12 petrol cars, the figures for February also included 20 plugless hybrid vehicles and 40 plug-in hybrid vehicles. While these numbers are small in absolute terms, they offer a detailed look at the types of vehicles still being purchased in a market overwhelmingly favouring electric propulsion.
Analysis of Remaining ICE Sales
The sale of just 12 petrol vehicles in February highlights the near-total transition away from fossil fuels in Norway’s new car market. The breakdown of these sales reveals a surprising mix, challenging the notion that residual ICE sales are limited to niche vehicles with no electric alternatives.
Specific ICE Models Sold
According to OFV data, eight different ICE models were sold in February. The Mazda CX-30 was the most popular, accounting for one-quarter of these sales with three units sold. The remaining sales were largely concentrated in higher-end or performance-oriented vehicles, suggesting that factors such as brand loyalty or buyer conservatism might be driving these final ICE purchases, rather than necessity for performance or specific vehicle types.
Notably, the Suzuki Ignis and Swift models, which appeared in previous sales data from August 2024, are no longer present in the latest figures. This indicates a continued, albeit slow, churn even within the dwindling ICE segment.
| Make | Model | Volume |
|---|---|---|
| TOTAL: 12 | ||
| Mazda | CX-30 | 3 |
| BMW | X1 | 2 |
| Land Rover | Range Rover | 2 |
| BMW | M2 CS | 1 |
| BMW | X7 | 1 |
| Land Rover | Range Rover Sport | 1 |
| MINI | Cooper | 1 |
| Porsche | 911 | 1 |
The Niche Market of Plugless Hybrids
The segment for conventional, non-plug-in hybrid vehicles saw 20 sales in February, with representation limited to just two manufacturers: Toyota and Porsche.
Hybrid ICE Makes and Models
The Toyota Yaris hybrid dominated this category, making up three-quarters of the sales with 15 units. While the Yaris hybrid has historically offered fuel efficiency with fewer direct EV alternatives, the rapidly expanding EV market in Norway means such distinctions are becoming less relevant. Given the significant taxes imposed on non-electric vehicles in Norway, the cost factor is unlikely to be the primary driver for these purchases.
| Make | Model | Volume |
|---|---|---|
| TOTAL: 20 | ||
| Toyota | Yaris | 15 |
| Porsche | 911 | 3 |
| Porsche | 911 Turbo | 1 |
| Toyota | Yaris Cross | 1 |
Plug-in Hybrids: The Last Combustion Holdouts?
Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) accounted for the largest share of non-BEV sales in February, with 40 units sold. This category has experienced a multi-year decline due to escalating taxes on PHEVs, yet it remains the most significant segment for combustion-powered vehicles currently.
PHEV Market Diversity and Trends
The PHEV market in February displayed greater diversity in makes and models compared to the pure ICE or plugless hybrid segments. This variety likely reflects the broader range of PHEV options that were available for purchase in Norway, even as the market transitions. When charged regularly, PHEVs offer a more economical alternative to traditional hybrids and petrol cars, although their long-term viability is increasingly challenged by the expanding BEV landscape.
Nine brands were represented in the PHEV sales: Volvo, Ford, Land Rover, Mazda, Porsche, BMW, Kia, Mitsubishi, and Toyota. The top four makes—Volvo, Ford, Land Rover (specifically Range Rover models), and Mazda—collectively accounted for half of the 40 PHEV sales. Many of these PHEV models have direct BEV equivalents available in the market. An exception noted is the Range Rover, for which an all-electric version has not yet been released.
A long tail of models, each with a single sale, included vehicles such as the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, BMW M5, and Toyota RAV4 PHEV. The low volume for these models raises questions about their availability on dealership floors, suggesting that online orders or specific customer requests might be the primary channel for their acquisition.
| Make | Model | Volume |
|---|---|---|
| TOTAL: 40 | ||
| Volvo | XC60 | 8 |
| Ford | Transit Custom | 5 |
| Land Rover | Range Rover Sport | 4 |
| Mazda | CX-60 | 3 |
| Porsche | Cayenne | 3 |
| Porsche | Panamera | 3 |
| Volvo | XC90 | 3 |
| BMW | X5 | 2 |
| Porsche | Cayenne Coupe | 2 |
| BMW | 7-serie | 1 |
| BMW | M5 | 1 |
| BMW | XM Label Red | 1 |
| Kia | Sportage | 1 |
| Land Rover | Range Rover | 1 |
| Mitsubishi | Outlander PHEV | 1 |
| Toyota | RAV4 | 1 |
Concluding Remarks on Norway’s EV Transition
In addition to these figures, 67 diesel vehicles were sold in February, though they have been omitted from this specific analysis. The data, provided by OFV, underscores the extraordinary pace of Norway’s transition to electric mobility. The sustained international interest in the Norwegian automotive market highlights its role as a leading indicator for global EV adoption trends.