Norway has turned its EV dominance into an export engine. With one of the largest electric car fleets in the world, the country is now sending thousands of used EVs to high-demand markets, including the UAE, US, and the Netherlands.
How Norway became the EV capital
Norway has over 754,000 registered EVs. In 2024, nearly 90% of new car sales were electric and the proportion is still rising. A decade of incentives such as VAT exemptions, toll discounts, and higher taxes on combustion models has created a vast second-hand EV supply.
This fleet is now flowing abroad. Used Norwegian EVs are being shipped to buyers across Europe, the Middle East, and even the US, each market shaped by its own rules and demand.
The US: a collector’s market
The US is lucrative but limited. Import rules restrict most cars under 25 years old unless they meet strict Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Transportation standards. Compliance costs often outweigh the value.
That leaves Teslas and rare collector cars as the main exports. Early Model S sedans, Model 3 Performance versions, and the original Roadster are popular thanks to existing certifications. BMW i3, Mercedes EQC, and Audi e-tron also find niche demand.
Prices can reach 150–200% above Norwegian values. But high compliance costs and limited warranty coverage mean exporters must tread carefully.
The UAE: demand surges
The UAE is different. Import duties are low, charging infrastructure is expanding quickly, and consumer appetite is growing. Searches for second-hand EVs rose 240% year-on-year.
Luxury and performance models dominate. Tesla Model S, Model X, and the Model 3 and Y are in high demand. German brands such as Audi, BMW, and Mercedes also attract strong interest.
The dry climate helps preserve batteries, while European certifications make imports easier. These factors are driving bulk fleet sales and cementing the UAE as one of the top markets for Norwegian EVs.
The Netherlands: gateway to Europe
The Netherlands is both a destination and a hub. Rotterdam, Europe’s largest port, connects Norwegian EVs to Germany, France, Belgium, and Eastern Europe. EU harmonisation keeps regulatory hurdles low.
Dutch buyers are selective. They prefer EVs with strong service records and proven reliability, such as the Volkswagen e-Golf, Nissan Leaf, and Tesla Model 3. Many cars are also re-exported from the Netherlands to nearby markets.
Norway’s role in global EV trade
Norway’s EV transformation—from less than 1% of sales in 2010 to 88% in 2024—has made it a central player in the global trade of second-hand EVs.
Export strategies must vary. The US favours certified Teslas and rare collectors. The UAE wants luxury and fleet-ready cars. The Netherlands acts as a logistics bridge for Europe.
Outlook
Norway’s vast fleet and early EV adoption give it an edge in the international market for used EVs. Success now depends on how exporters match supply to the rules, tastes, and infrastructure of each destination.
The message is clear: Norway is no longer just the EV capital of the world, it is becoming one of the world’s key EV suppliers.
