Record Influx of Cars: Norway Flooded with Electric Vehicles
Thousands of electric cars are arriving in Norway just before new tax rules take effect. Importers and dealers are speeding up deliveries to beat the year-end deadline and avoid higher VAT rates. The scale of the operation is unprecedented. The industry is working non-stop.
Import accelerated before the new VAT rules came into effect.
Fot. NAF/Motor
New electric cars must enter Norwegian territory before the end of 2025 to avoid being subject to higher VAT. From the New Year, car prices may increase by as much as NOK 50,000.
Importers and dealers are intensifying their efforts across the country. Many companies have canceled their holiday breaks. Work is ongoing in all segments of the automotive market.
Importers and dealers are intensifying their efforts across the country. Many companies have canceled their holiday breaks. Work is ongoing in all segments of the automotive market.
Record Traffic at Drammen Port
The Port of Drammen, Norway's largest car import port, is seeing record volumes. Over the past two months, more than 30,000 cars have been unloaded there. This is the highest figure in the port's history.
In just the last week of December, two large ships arrived in Drammen, carrying nearly two thousand vehicles.
In just the last week of December, two large ships arrived in Drammen, carrying nearly two thousand vehicles.
The Port of Drammen is the largest car import port in Norway.Photo: Press materials from the Port of Drammen
VAT Changes Drive Sales
The surge in imports is a result of government announcements regarding changes to the taxation of electric vehicles. From 2025, VAT will be applied to the portion of the price exceeding NOK 500,000.
In 2026, this threshold will drop to NOK 300,000, and in 2027 to NOK 150,000. By 2028, there will be no VAT exemption at all. Registration data shows a clear increase in sales.
In 2026, this threshold will drop to NOK 300,000, and in 2027 to NOK 150,000. By 2028, there will be no VAT exemption at all. Registration data shows a clear increase in sales.
Strong Year-End and Sales Forecasts
In November, the number of registered cars was 70% higher than a year earlier. In December, it exceeded 26,000 units. Importers are responsible for bringing vehicles into the country and delivering them to customers on time.
The largest market players expect high demand to continue in the coming years. Forecasts for next year predict sales of around 170,000 passenger cars.
The largest market players expect high demand to continue in the coming years. Forecasts for next year predict sales of around 170,000 passenger cars.
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