Norway Bans Gas Powered Cars in Pursuit of Fossil Fuel Free Future

The buzz surrounding electric cars and biofuels is resounding. Yet despite the excitement, internal combustion engines still dominate the roads. Except in Norway. A famously eco-friendly nation, the Norwegians are blazing a trail that could transform how its residents get from A to B.

In an effort to keep its crisp Scandinavian air clean and green, the Norwegian government plans to phase out petrol or diesel fuelled vehicles. It plans to do this by banning the sale of all gasoline-powered automobiles by 2025. Within two decades, it hopes to see its roads used largely by electric motors, powered by alternative fuels. It’s a big dream, but according to eco-advocates, it’s not unrealistic.

Making the switch

Currently, technology used in ‘plug in’ cars powered by electricity or hydrogen fuel cells is undergoing rapid development. The switch to eco-friendly electric motors is looming, and by 2050 Norway maintains that only a small number of fossil fuel reliant vehicles will be cruising its streets. Given the fact that almost one in four Norwegians already drives an all-electric or hybrid-electric car, the target is already much closer than some may think.  

Of course, the concept has drawn its fair share of criticism. And not just from Norwegians who are concerned that eco-friendly vehicles may leave them stranded. Until electric cars shun the need for ‘plug in’ power, the environmental blame simply shifts from fossil fuels to coal or gas stations. The switch will no doubt be expensive, and will also have a knock on effect on those working in the Norwegian automotive industry. Some have also ridiculed Norway for its efforts, calling the move ‘ironic’ as the nation is a keynote oil and gas producer.

A united front

Despite differences in political views, all of Norway’s major parties are on-board, including Labour, the Democrats, the Liberals and the more conservative Progress Party. With such widespread commitment, the chances at achieving a nationwide gas powered phase by 2025 are more likely than critics would like to think.

Needless to say, electric car advocates like Elon Musk are categorically on-board, with the CEO of Tesla Motors tweeting "What an amazingly awesome country. You guys rock!!" in response to the announcement.   

While Norway’s roads may soon be 100% eco-friendly, its LPG industry will likely remain a key source of national income. For more information on the industry, ‘The Benefits of Thermal Desorption Coupled with Gas Chromatography for the Analysis of Hydrocarbon Residues in Liquefied Petroleum Gas’ explores a new innovation called Automated Thermal Desorption, and how it enhances the contamination detection process.