Norway to expand zero-emission zones to accelerate electrification

The Norwegian Transport Ministry is planning to ask the Norwegian Public Roads Administration to prepare legislation to allow municipalities to establish zero-emission zones (ZEZ). It will give the latter the possibility to reduce emissions and push for cleaner transport.

The Administration will specifically look at the technical, legal, and practical aspects. It also stresses that the final decision on whether or not to introduce these zero-emission zones is up to local authorities. Today, only Oslo has a zero-emission zone in place.

‘Ambitious climate policy’

“Much of greenhouse gas emissions come from road traffic in the largest cities. As a result, several of them want access to new measures that could increase the use of electric and hydrogen vehicles, thus further reducing emissions,” comments Andreas Bjelland Eriksen, Minister of Climate and Environment.

“Several large cities are, therefore, considering the creation of ZEZs, and it is important that this government provides tools to authorities that wish to pursue an ambitious climate policy,” explains Jon-Ivar Nygård, Minister of Transport.

Norway tops global electric car markets

The initiative is remarkable for a country where 95% of newly registered cars are electric. Norway just released its registration figures for February – the second consecutive month with a number that high.

In January, 8,954 new electric cars hit the road in Norway, corresponding to a market share of 95.8 percent. However, electric vehicles still account for less than one-third of all cars on the road.

Volvo and Scania

However, in terms of electrification, the goods and commercial transport sectors “have not progressed as far as passenger cars.” In 2024, the number of electric truck sales actually declined compared to 2023, even though all new trucks must be electric in Norway by 2030. Currently, 70% of vans sold in Norway still run on diesel fuel.

In 2024, 371 heavy-duty electric trucks hit the road in Norway – an increase of 91 percent compared to 2023. Most of these trucks (65 percent) were delivered by Volvo, while 18 percent came from Scania.

‘Car-free liveability program’

Nevertheless, the sector has some catching up to do. It remains to be seen how much zero-emission zones can help push companies towards electrifying commercial vehicle fleets more quickly.

The idea of introducing zero-emission zones aligns with Oslo’s ongoing ‘car-free liveability’ program, which seeks to reduce motor vehicle usage. The plan includes removing hundreds of parking spaces and prohibiting gasoline vehicles by the end of the year.