Traversing Norway, the Most EV-Friendly Nation in the World

Norwegian highways are impeccably maintained, teeming with gleaming electric vehicles: Teslas, Audi Q4s, and Volkswagen ID.4s abound. In 2022, nearly 80 percent of new car sales in Norway were emission-free. This shift is driven by a shared commitment to sustainability, alongside tax incentives for cleaner cars and hefty fossil fuel taxes. The transition to electric transport is also visible beyond the roads, with electric boats, ferries, and even mopeds.

Nearly 900 miles south in Brussels in mid-April, our family of three contemplated acquiring an electric vehicle, and what better place to test it than Norway, especially with our five-year-old? With Norway's advanced infrastructure for electric cars, it seemed the ideal location to assess the experience. We planned a drive from Oslo to Bergen, then north along the western coastal fjords to Ålesund to visit a friend, and back to Oslo. Each leg of the journey averaged 250–300 miles, exceeding our rental car's 200-mile range, so we needed some extra planning.

Journeying Across Norway

The first stretch of our trip led us from Oslo Airport to Bergen on the southwest coast, covering nearly 300 miles and taking about eight hours of driving (not including charging stops). As we cruised along the snowy highway, our family was captivated by the sight of snow-dusted mountains, frozen streams, and the occasional snow flurry. While spring enveloped much of Europe, our drive felt distinctly wintry.

We drove a Volkswagen ID.4, which had a modest range of 200 miles that was further affected by altitude and chilly weather, requiring us to stop twice on our journey to Bergen. Our first break was in Geilo, a delightful ski town in central Norway. We visited at the end of the ski season, and the area was still lively, with ski lifts transporting enthusiasts to the trails; charming, snow-dusted chalets adorned the surrounding hills. We couldn’t resist picking up some knitted Norwegian beanies at a ski shop near the charging station. For lunch, we enjoyed rustic rye sandwiches and hot chocolates at a cozy bakery.

While we had planned our charging stops, we didn’t anticipate stopping every time we spotted a picturesque view. Some stretches of road were slick, even for seasoned drivers like us, but our frequent photo breaks eased the driving tension. We paused in a quaint village called Haugastøl, where cabins were buried under snow, making it feel like we had stepped into the world of Game of Thrones.

At our fifth photo stop, we realized we would arrive in Bergen later than expected—but the detour was absolutely worth it. We made a stop at Vøringsfossen, one of Norway’s most renowned waterfalls. Despite the heavy snow, the trails were accessible enough for us to walk to the viewpoint of the canyon and take in the breathtaking sight of the falls. They were mostly frozen, yet the ice formations and the resonant sounds of the melting water below made for a stunning experience.

We made a brief stop at another charging station in the small town of Dalekvam, where we grabbed some hot dogs and charged the car just long enough to get to Bergen. Known in Norway as pølse, hot dogs are a popular fast food choice at gas stations. Dining out in Norway can be expensive, so we opted for something simple. Three service station hot dogs and two soft drinks cost us about $30 at this stop. Upon reaching Bergen, we located a parking lot near our rental apartment with a slow-charging station, leaving our car to charge overnight. Although we planned for an hour at each charging session, traveling with a five-year-old often necessitates extra breaks. Any parent knows kids will usually need to use the bathroom just 30 minutes after a rest stop.

Fjords, Ferries, and Electric Vehicles

During our two-day stay in Bergen, we didn’t use our car at all. Instead, we explored the city on foot, via cable car, and by boat. We took a sailing trip through the fjords surrounding Bergen; the highlight was the view of the harbor, with its vibrant wooden houses and the lively fish market. We also rode the Fløibanen funicular to Mount Fløyen, a vast park featuring playgrounds, hiking trails, and cafés. From the summit, the panoramic view of Bergen below is breathtaking.

After our time in Bergen, we jumped into our fully charged vehicle and made our way north to Ulsteinvik, near Ålesund. The 250-mile journey was likely one of the most scenic drives we’ve experienced, largely following the stunning fjords of western Norway. Part of the trip included a ferry ride, offering spectacular views of mountains rising from the sea. Being an electric ferry, it ensured the air was fresh and quiet. A great advantage of renting an EV in Norway is receiving a 50 percent discount on the ferry tolls.

In Ulsteinvik and Ålesund, we experienced local Norwegian culture and explored lesser-known spots in the region, such as the bird-watching hotspot of Runde Island. Although we missed the puffins, who arrive in summer, we did see flocks of sheep with thick gray coats grazing on the hills. One of the trip's highlights was a brief swim in the frigid Norwegian sea, a ritual many locals partake in at least weekly. Though the cold is shocking at first, it greatly benefits the joints, especially after long hours in the car.

Heading Back to Oslo

We set off on another cross-country road trip from Ulsteinvik to Oslo, this time better prepared as we began our journey early in the morning to catch our evening flight home. Our travel time extended by a few hours due to road closures caused by heavy snowfall, a reminder that spring conditions can vary. Overall, we thoroughly enjoyed our trip, and it convinced us to invest in an electric car, offering a more sustainable and comfortable ride for everyone.

Renting an Electric Vehicle in Norway

We rented a Volkswagen ID.4 through Budget for $79 per day, about $10 more than a standard vehicle rental. Given that gas prices in Norway average around $7 per gallon, the electric option made sense. The VW ID.4, a compact SUV, was perfect for our family of three, especially since my husband, standing at 6'9", appreciated the extra legroom during long drives. An unexpected advantage of the EV was the spacious front area due to the smaller engine, and the trunk easily accommodated our three medium-sized suitcases.

While searching for rental cars, I noticed several companies at Oslo Airport offered EV options, including Polestar, Audi E-Tron, and Skoda Enyak. The rental clerk explained how to charge the car and introduced us to apps for locating charging stations. The best choice for us was Mer, which provided instructions in English, boasted over 250 fast-charging stations in Norway, and accepted American Express. Google Maps also proved handy for quickly finding nearby EV charging stations, as most only accept app payments, making the Mer app invaluable.

Essential Tips for Driving an EV in Norway

Mind your EV etiquette. According to my friend Ingunn, a lawyer based on Norway's west coast, there's an unspoken rule against charging to 100 percent if others are waiting. If you decide to step into a restaurant while your car charges, be mindful of the charging time. Remember, an EV's charging speed slows down after it reaches 80 percent.

Check out Jessica’s YouTube video detailing the experience.