The Norwegian government is conducting a national experiment that will incentivize the consumer purchase of electric cars in a new approach to dealing with climate change. The new program is designed to make electric cars affordable and accessible for Norwegian citizens who wish to make the transition away from fossil fuels.
According to a recent report by CBS News, in a series called “Climate Diaries,” a quarter of all new cars for sale will be electric. This is indicated by a letter ‘E’ on the license plates. In line with the government program, many benefits will go along with driving an electric car, including not having to pay the usual 25 percent sales tax or the road registration fee. This is coupled with the fact that electric cars are often sold for less off the lot than their gas or diesel equivalents, making the whole package much cheaper.
In addition to the reduction in fees, drivers will also benefit by not having to pay highway tolls and receiving free ferry rides. They will enjoy the use of government-subsidized charging stations, where they can plug in for free and receive electrical power derived from clean hydro-sources. These stations will be numerous enough that the limited driving range of 150 miles per electrical charge will not pose a problem.