3 ms·
Norway is a very rich country, but I'd also point out that despite their wealth they have substantially fewer cars per capita (~0.5) than the US (~0.8). Less w
by lastofthemojito 5y ago
Norway is a very rich country, but I'd also point out that despite their wealth they have substantially fewer cars per capita (~0.5) than the US (~0.8). Less wealthy European countries like Portugal and Lithuania have about as many cars per capita as Norway, likely due to the relatively high prices of cars and fuel in Norway. Basically, if ICE cars and gasoline weren't heavily taxed in Norway, and Norwegians could cheaply drive around in Subaru Outbacks and Toyota Corollas, a lot more of them probably would.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_vehicles_per_capita https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_vehicles_...
- hocuspocus 5y agoYou're right but I think it's a little bit more complex than that. Switzerland is equally wealthy (or even more, if you look at disposable income) and here you can definitely buy a $3000 Subaru Outback and drive around in the Alps every weekend, yet car ownership is similar to Norway's, because it's a hassle when the train and public transportation network is good and convenient. Maybe without all these taxes, car ownership in Norway would be a bit higher (like in Finland) but I don't think it would reach the US number. Lots of the Norwegian population is concentrated in urbanized areas, and some have gone car-free. Even though there are few incentives in Switzerland, we see plenty of Teslas, because of course for some people $60k in a car is nothing. But that's definitely above average, and not everyone is able or willing to spend that much.
- GordonS 5y agoPublic transport in Norway is so good that there is less need for car ownership.