Norways journey towards a historic electric milestone

“There is no doubt that Norway has passed the point of no return for electrification. And it seems likely that the ambitious goal set earlier can be achieved,” says Geir Hoff, Managing Director of MEKO’s operations in Norway.

The ambitious goal capturing everyone's attention is that by 2025, 100 percent of all new cars sold in Norway will be emission-free – effectively meaning electric vehicles.

Outsiders may see this goal as unrealistic. In some European countries, it’s difficult to even spot electric cars on the roads. However, Norway’s situation is unique: more than one in four cars is electric (as of September 2024).

How did Norway get so far ahead?

Early political ambitions

To find the answer, we must journey back to the 1990s and explore Norway’s political landscape of the time.

From the outset, there was a strong ambition to reduce emissions in the transportation sector. To encourage adoption, a variety of grants and subsidies were introduced. However, the first electric cars were basic and far from practical for families, resulting in limited uptake of the incentives.

The model that started the boom

But in 2013, Tesla launched the Model S – a more comfortable option with ample space and an innovative design. This launch, combined with generous subsidies, provided many Norwegians with compelling reasons to go electric. The electric car boom had officially begun – and it was to accelerate. Since 2016, the growth curve for new car sales has soared at an unprecedented rate, showcasing Norway's strong commitment to electrification.

Progress and challenges

The development has continued in recent years, despite inflation and rising interest rates putting pressure on many Norwegians’ personal finances, and despite the gradual phasing out of some subsidies.

But can Norway achieve its ambitious target of 100 percent emission-free cars by 2025?

Reaching exactly 100 percent by 2025 may be physically impossible due to Norway's partially inaccessible terrain and long distances, which in practice make it challenging for electric vehicles to travel far without interruptions.

However, getting extremely close to this goal seems within reach. In September 2024, 95 percent of all new cars sold in the country were electric, and in November, the figure stood at 89.3 percent.

New patterns in the workshop

Regardless of whether the target is achieved, one thing is clear: while electric cars may be emission-free on the roads, they are not free from repair needs.

”MEKO has been active in Norway for many years, and we observe these developments in real time across our workshops, including MECA and Mekonomen,” says Geir Hoff.

”Most electric cars are less than five years old and still covered by the manufacturer’s warranty, so we don’t yet have a complete picture. However, as some electric cars age, we are noticing a clear trend of increased wear on mechanical components such as suspension, steering, axles, and tires,” Hoff adds.

Answers are beginning to emerge

One example is brakes, which are used less frequently in electric cars due to regenerative braking. When eventually used, they are often rusted, leading to more frequent failures. As a result, the entire braking system often needs replacement – not just the brake discs – at a higher cost.

Batteries, which make up a significant part of an electric car's value, also need repairs. This includes fixing physical damage around the battery caused by wear or collisions. It also involves repairing individual cells within the battery to extend its lifespan.

“This is an ever-evolving situation, and in the coming years, we expect to gain greater insights into the aftermarket for electric cars. But what we see so far indicates that the total cost of repairing an electric car over its lifecycle might be as high as the repair costs for a petrol or diesel car,” says Geir Hoff.

MEKO is dedicated to being part of the journey

He emphasizes that MEKO is working broadly to be an active part of the transition to an emission-free and repairable car fleet. This includes extensive training programs for electric car technicians and an ever-expanding range of spare parts for electric vehicles.

“MEKO’s goal is to be the best partner for anyone driving, repairing, or maintaining cars – regardless of the technology powering the vehicles,” says Geir Hoff.