In Norway, charging stations experience longer lines during the winter compared to the summer due to slower vehicle charging in colder weather. However, this has become less of a problem in recent years as Norway has expanded its charging port infrastructure, according to Mr. Godbolt, referencing a recent member survey. He also mentioned that the majority of people in Norway live in houses rather than apartments, and almost 90 percent of electric vehicle owners have their own charging stations at home.
Globally, the International Energy Agency reported that 14 percent of all new cars sold in 2022 were electric, up from 9 percent in 2021 and less than 5 percent in 2020. In Europe, countries like Norway, Sweden, Finland, and others had the highest share of electric vehicles in new car registrations in 2022, as per the European Environment Agency.
Cold weather is expected to be less of a concern as companies update electric vehicle models to be more efficient in the cold. Mr. Godbolt mentioned that the industry is innovating to partly solve many of these issues as they arise.
James Boley of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders noted that all vehicles, regardless of fuel type, perform worse in cold weather. He emphasized that the issue is not so much the capacity of electric vehicles to perform well in cold weather, but rather the lack of necessary infrastructure such as charging stations.
Boley also mentioned that drivers of gas or diesel-powered cars have confidence in finding fuel stations, so they are less concerned about decreased efficiency in cold weather. However, the lack of electric vehicle charging infrastructure can be more of a concern.
