The energy transition in transport is in full swing in Norway, where trucks and larger machinery are increasingly electric.
The Norwegian government has set a goal that all new heavy-duty vehicles will be electric or powered by biogas by the year 2030.
Representatives from the automotive departments at Iðan Education Centre recently went on an educational trip to Norway to learn about the effects of this rapid electrification of vehicles.
The vehicle manufacturer Volvo Trucks has been a leader in this field and began selling electric trucks as early as 2019. The company has now delivered or taken orders for over 800 electric trucks in Norway since 2023 and holds a 58% market share in the category of electric trucks over 16 tonnes.
The experience with electric trucks has generally been very positive, with operators mentioning, among other things, less noise, better energy efficiency, and increased driving comfort.
Requirement for the use of electric construction machinery in Oslo city centre
In some cases, contractors are also required to use exclusively electric vehicles and construction machinery for projects in Oslo city centre, which further pushes for electrification within the sector. However, representatives from the Norwegian Automotive Association (NBF) point out that despite rapid technological advances, a robust charging infrastructure for larger vehicles still needs to be developed, where predictability and a clear government policy are crucial.