Fleets face zero emission zones in Norway
The future landscape for light commercial vehicle fleets operating throughout Norway is becoming increasingly difficult, presenting significant challenges for businesses. This evolving situation arises after recent governmental decisions that empower local city authorities with the ability to implement dedicated zero-emission zones within their jurisdictions. These zones will restrict access based on vehicle emissions, effectively barring vehicles that do not meet strict environmental standards. The introduction of these zero-emission zones by city councils across the country signals a major shift in urban transportation policy and will have considerable repercussions for the operation and management of light commercial vehicle fleets. The ability for municipalities to create these zones fundamentally changes the operational environment for these fleets, requiring careful planning and adaptation to remain compliant and competitive.
Norway has been the global pioneer of electric vehicle adoption. Last year, 88.8% of new passenger cars sold in the country were battery electric models, and the figure for 2025 so far is 95.8%.
Electric van sales fall
But sales of electric light commercial vehicles have not followed the same trajectory, with diesel continuing to be the dominant powertrain. Battery power actually saw its market share fall in 2024, compared to the previous year, with 27.9% of new vans sold last year being electric, down from 30.1% in 2023.
Norway’s Ministry of Transport says zero-emission zones can support the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by encouraging the transition to electric and hydrogen powered vehicles.
“This applies not least to goods and commercial transport, where electrification has not progressed as far as for passenger cars,” said Jon-Ivar Nygård, Minister of Transport. “It is important for this government to provide tools to cities that want to pursue an ambitious climate policy.”
Fleet decarbonisation
Logistics company DB Schenker has already decarbonised its Oslo operation, deploying electric trucks, vans or cargo bikes, powered by renewable energy, to make its deliveries in the Norwegian capital.
The Norwegian Public Roads Administration will now prepare legislation that would give municipalities the authority to establish zero-emission zones, with the proposal then going for public consultation.
Oslo, Bergen and Trondheim are among the larger cities understood to have been pushing for the power to implement zero emission zones.
Andreas Bjelland Eriksen, Minister of Climate and Environment, said: “Several of the cities want access to new tools that can increase the use of electric and hydrogen cars, and in this way reduce emissions further.”
Transport & Environment claims that by 2030 there will be sufficient eLCVs on the market with competitive total costs of ownership to create zero emission zones in all of Europe’s capital cities.
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