Official data shows that electric or hybrid vehicles accounted for more than half of all new cars sold in Norway in 2017.

The Norwegian Road Federation (www.irfnet.ch) says that zero-emission cars (mainly all-electric but including a few hydrogen-powered types) accounted for 20.9% of total sales, while hybrid vehicles comprised 31.3% (including 18.4% for plug-in hybrids).

In 2016, zero-emission and hybrid cars accounted for 15.7% and 24.5% respectively of total sales. Norway has set itself the goal of selling only zero-emission new cars as from 2025.

Diesel and petrol cars in Norway are heavily taxed, while electric cars benefit from a generous tax system that is designed to make their purchase prices relatively competitive.

Their owners also enjoy many privileges such as free city tolls, ferries, parking and recharging in public car parks; they also have the right to drive in bus lanes.

The Norwegian Electric Vehicle Association welcomed the new statistics, but called for continued state incentive.

Secretary general Christina Bu said: “The goal of 2025 is ambitious, requiring us to go from 21% market share to 100% in seven years, which means we still have a way to go; and while there is intense interest in electric and hybrid cars, proven by long waiting lists for new vehicles, manufacturers have been slow to meet this demand, with lengthy delivery times and a lack of models.”