EV Charging in Norway

Practical Tips

• Download the Mer app or Circle K app before arriving. These are the two largest domestic charging networks and cover most of Norway.
• Norway has many multi-brand charging hubs where you will see a Kempower setup: several slim charging poles (satellite units) connected to one large power cabinet and a single payment kiosk. Plug in first, note your stall number, then walk to the kiosk to pay with your bank card.
• Recharge has good highway coverage in southern and central Norway. Their newest stations support contactless card payment directly at the charger.
• Ferry crossings are common when driving along the coast. Check if the ferry terminal area has chargers so you can top up during the wait.
• Winter driving in Norway means range loss of 20-40%. Always precondition your battery before DC fast charging in cold weather.
• Many Norwegian hotels and Airbnbs offer free EV charging. Ask about charging access when booking accommodation.
• Toll roads and city tolls are significantly discounted for EVs in Norway. Make sure your vehicle is registered as electric in the AutoPASS system.
• Tesla's newest V4 Supercharger sites in Norway sometimes use a central payment kiosk layout, open to all brands.

EV Incentives for Businesses

EVs are exempt from purchase tax and import duties. VAT exemption applies to the first 500,000 NOK of the purchase price. Reduced company car tax for EVs. Free or reduced-rate municipal parking and toll roads in many areas. Note: some tax benefits have been gradually reduced in recent years, especially for higher-priced vehicles. Check current rules before purchasing.

Tax incentives change frequently. Verify current rates with your local tax authority.

Useful Apps

Download these before you travel. Having the right apps installed saves time at the charger.

• Mer (largest domestic coverage)
• Circle K (major highway and urban coverage)
• Plugsurfing (European roaming)
• A Better Route Planner / ABRP (essential for northern Norway)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Do not assume a slim charging pole without a screen is broken. At Kempower hub setups, look for the Central Payment Kiosk nearby. Plug in first, then go to the kiosk.
• Do not try to pay at the kiosk before plugging in. The kiosk needs your car to be connected and handshaking with the charger before it lets you select a stall.
• Do not assume you can drive the same distances between charges in winter as in summer. Cold temperatures and mountain passes significantly reduce range.
• Do not skip charging opportunities in northern Norway. The next charger may be much farther than you expect.
• Do not forget to register for toll discounts. EVs get reduced tolls, but you need to set this up through AutoPASS.

Good to Know

• Norway has more EVs per capita than any other country. Charging etiquette is well understood, and most drivers unplug promptly.
• Idle fees are common at fast chargers. Some networks charge per minute after the session ends.
• Many grocery stores (Kiwi, Rema 1000, Coop) have chargers in their parking lots, often at reasonable prices.
• In northern Norway (above the Arctic Circle), charger spacing can be 100+ km. Always charge to a higher percentage before heading into remote areas.
• Kempower satellite charger setups (slim poles with a shared power cabinet) are very common in Norway. These are not broken chargers, they are controlled from a central kiosk.

Explore by Vehicle

See country-specific charging costs and winter range estimates for your vehicle in Norway.

Sources

• Norwegian Electric Vehicle Association (Elbilforeningen)
• European Alternative Fuels Observatory
• Mer