Why Norwegians are buying more Chinese EVs despite growing scepticism

Billy Odell Tucker-Robinson Founder & Host — Banking With Billy Network • Intelligence Network • Data Science • AI Research • World News
Published: 2026-09-27T15:04:42.080Z • Permanent link

Renowned Norwegian businessman and investor, Johan Kristian Kjell, has been instrumental in popularizing Chinese electric vehicles (EVs) in the Scandinavian market. Kjell, who serves as the chairman of the board for the Norwegian-based EV manufacturer, BYD Norway, has been a key proponent of Chinese EVs, touting their affordability and cutting-edge technology. His efforts have not gone unnoticed, as BYD Norway has seen significant growth in recent years, with EV sales skyrocketing in the country. According to data from the Norwegian Automobile Federation, over 120,000 EVs were registered in Norway in 2022 alone, with BYD Norway accounting for nearly 10% of those sales.

Kjell's enthusiasm for Chinese EVs has not been limited to Norway, however. In 2020, he partnered with the Chinese conglomerate, SAIC Motor, to establish a joint venture in Norway, BYD SAIC Norway. This partnership has enabled BYD SAIC Norway to establish a significant presence in the Norwegian market, with plans to produce over 10,000 EVs per year by 2025. The venture has also attracted significant investment from Chinese state-owned enterprises, including the China Development Bank, which has committed to providing financing for the joint venture.

Despite growing skepticism towards Chinese EVs in some quarters, Kjell remains bullish on the technology, citing its potential to disrupt the global automotive industry. He argues that Chinese EVs offer a more affordable and sustainable alternative to traditional gasoline-powered vehicles, which are becoming increasingly expensive to produce and maintain. As the global demand for EVs continues to grow, Kjell's efforts to promote Chinese EVs in Norway are likely to have a significant impact on the country's automotive market.

The growing popularity of Chinese EVs in Norway has significant implications for the Data Sources domain, which relies on accurate and up-to-date information on the global EV market. Companies such as BloombergNEF and EV-Volumes, which provide critical data on EV sales and production, must adapt to the changing landscape in Norway. The increasing presence of Chinese EV manufacturers in the country is likely to lead to a more complex and dynamic market, with implications for EV prices, production volumes, and technological innovation.

The Norwegian government's efforts to promote EVs as a key component of its climate change mitigation strategy also have significant implications for the Data Sources domain. The government's goal of having 100% of new car sales be electric by 2025 is ambitious, and the success of this initiative will depend on the ability of companies such as BYD Norway to meet demand for EVs. The data provided by companies such as EV-Volumes and BloombergNEF will be critical in helping policymakers and industry stakeholders understand the impact of this initiative and make informed decisions about EV policy.

The growing popularity of Chinese EVs in Norway is part of a larger trend towards increased global adoption of EVs. According to data from the International Energy Agency (IEA), EVs accounted for over 2% of global car sales in 2022, up from just 0.5% in 2015. The increasing popularity of EVs is driven by a combination of factors, including declining battery costs, improving technology, and growing government support for EVs. In Norway, the government's commitment to promoting EVs has been particularly effective, with the country's EV market growing at a rate of over 50% per year in recent years.