Historic shift: More than half of new cars registered in Finland are electric

Finland recorded a historic milestone in August, when fully electric cars made up 51.6% of newly registered passenger vehicles. It was the first month in which electric cars represented more than half of new registrations in the country.

The number of fully electric cars in active use also passed 200,000 during the month. In the first half of the year, fully electric vehicles accounted for 48% of new registrations in Finland, giving the country the third-highest share in Europe. Norway led with 98%, followed by Denmark at 80%.

The Central Organisation for the Motor Trade and Repairs said the transition in car sales was moving quickly. It attributed the development to a wider range of electric models across price categories and uses, as well as improvements in the charging network.

“Recent car sales data shows that demand for electric cars is not slowing, quite the opposite,” said Tero Lausala, the organisation’s chief executive.

“

Recent car sales data shows that demand for electric cars is not slowing, quite the opposite.