A discussion hosted by EE Business Intelligence under the theme South Africa-Norway: The Road Towards Nearing 100% Electric Car Sales – the Norwegian experience, revealed several actionable lessons South Africa can draw from Norway’s electric mobility success story.
The discussion brought together policy experts and industry leaders to explore how South Africa could emulate Norway’s EV transformation.
Panellists agreed that South Africa must take urgent policy and infrastructure steps to accelerate EV adoption or risk being left behind in a fast-changing global automotive landscape.
In this episode of ESI Africa Insights, we speak with Anazi Zote-Piper, former Content and Stakeholder Manager at Smarter Mobility Africa, about the growing momentum of electric vehicle (EV) adoption across the continent
As of mid-2025, battery electric vehicles account for more than 94% of new car sales in Norway – the highest rate in the world and is expected to breach the one million mark early next year.
Dr Philani Mthembu, Executive Director of the Institute for Global Dialogue, said South Africa’s transition must align with green industrialisation goals while balancing the country’s diverse economic interests.
“We must understand what types of policies South Africa needs to adopt,” he said, noting that climate change and green industry are key pillars of Norway’s new Africa strategy, adopted in 2024.
Norway’s success has been driven by early, clear policy targets and strong consumer incentives.
Sveinung Kvalø, Senior Advisor at the Norwegian EV Association, said that while early subsidies were crucial, Norway’s charging infrastructure has since become commercially viable.
“We now have a fully functional fast-charging market with little government support,” he said, adding that more than 80% of EV charging in Norway happens at home (and at night).
Hiten Parmar, Executive Director of the Electric Mission, noted that while public charging infrastructure is expanding in South Africa, it lacks national coverage and consistency.
“There’s a need to diversify service providers to improve reliability,” he said.
Saliem Fakir, Executive Director of the African Climate Foundation, warned that South Africa’s automotive sector faces growing pressure from international carbon border taxes like CBAM, particularly in the EU and UK.
“We must stay ahead of the curve,” he said, urging investment not only in EV manufacturing but also in battery storage and the broader value chain.
Norwegian companies have already begun investing in South Africa’s clean energy transition – the Norwegian Investment Fund (Norfund) has backed multiple renewable energy and agribusiness ventures.
As South Africa has assumed the G20 presidency in 2025, the panellists stressed the need to deepen bilateral cooperation.
“This is a significant opportunity to share lessons on sovereign wealth management, green technology and sustainable transport,” Mthembu said.
While South Africa’s Green Transport Strategy targets a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from the transport sector by 2050, the experts said a more ambitious and time-bound framework is needed.
Norway’s experience shows that a combination of policy clarity, infrastructure investment and public-private coordination can unlock rapid progress in transport decarbonisation.
1. Clear policy target needed
Norway committed early. Its Parliament adopted a National Transport Plan targeting 100% zero-emission vehicle sales by 2025.
2. Government incentives work
Norway’s success was initially built on tax breaks and toll exemptions. But once the market matured, subsidies were phased out. South Africa must consider financial levers such as import duty adjustments, VAT exemptions and charging incentives to stimulate EV uptake.
3. Invest in charging infrastructure
Norway’s fast-charging network became commercially self-sustaining post-2017. In South Africa, the patchy distribution of chargers remains a barrier. A coordinated roadmap with diversified charging providers is essential to avoid reliability gaps.
4. Ability to charge your EV at home is crucial
More than 80% of Norwegians charge at home, reducing grid pressure and costs.
5. Smart charging can reduce strain on the grid
Initial fears about EVs overloading Norway’s grid were unfounded. Off-peak charging and emerging vehicle-to-grid technologies can, in fact, stabilise the grid, Kvalø pointed out.
6. Build a battery value chain
South Africa must not miss out on EV-related industrialisation, panellists agreed. Battery storage, recycling (with up to 96% lithium-ion recovery) and second-life battery use offer new economic and employment opportunities.
7. Lower operating costs
EVs are up to 70% cheaper to operate and 30% cheaper to maintain than combustion vehicles. Highlighting these savings can shift consumer sentiment.
8. Public-private partnerships are key
Norway’s early investments were supported by government and private actors. In South Africa, initiatives like private electric bus fleets and solar-powered charging hubs show the potential for PPP models.
9. Align with trade trends
Panellists warned of carbon border adjustments from the EU and UK. South Africa’s auto exports must decarbonise to remain competitive. EV manufacturing and policy must keep pace with global market demands.
10. Leverage bilateral cooperation
Mthembu highlighted Norway’s deepening engagement with Africa, including a multitude of Norwegian firms active in South Africa. Crucially, these ties can catalyse investment, knowledge-sharing and joint ventures in green transport and beyond, he said.
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