Norway will ban petrol cars in net zero zones, promoting the adoption of electric vans and trucks. The initiative is part of the country’s plans to reduce emissions and foster sustainable transportation.
Jon-Ivar Nygard, the Transport Minister of Norway, revealed that the government plans to enact laws enabling cities to create zones exclusively for electric and hydrogen vehicles. Norway tops global electric car markets, with 96% of new registrations last month. However, electric vehicles still account for less than one-third of all cars on the road.
Nygard stated that the electrification of goods and commercial transport lags behind that of passenger cars. Currently, 70% of vans sold in Norway run on diesel fuel.
The government has requested Norway’s Public Roads Administration to propose legislation for consultation, allowing cities to designate ‘zero emission zones’ at the earliest. Oslo, Bergen, and Trondheim cities have sought new authorities to introduce these zones.
As stated by Climate Minister Andreas Bjelland Eriksen, a significant portion of greenhouse gas emissions originates from car traffic in major cities. Consequently, several cities are seeking new tools to boost the use of electric and hydrogen vehicles and, thereby, further reduce emissions.
The initiative 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 petrol vehicles by the end of the year.
Minister Nygard also stressed that zero-emission zones are an effective way to cut emissions by promoting the transition to zero-emission vehicles, particularly in goods and commercial transport, which lags behind passenger car electrification. Many large cities are interested in adopting these zones, and the government is committed to providing the necessary tools to support cities.
According to the new regulations, cities may be permitted to grant exceptions for passenger cars.
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