In a rather interesting turn of events, Norway is moving towards being one of the first countries to replace their Internal Combustion Engines (ICE’s) with alternative forms of power.
Not that petroleum burning cars will disappear tomorrow, but with the amount of EV’s being sold in Norway, it is only a matter of time until they are the most popular form of car in the country.
Last month more than a third of new cars sold were fully electric. In addition Norway is pushing for something that no other in the country in the world is trying.
Electric bike super-highways.
Norway wants to change the game. They are offering citizens a huge discount on a high end electric cargo bike, and building out a national system highway for them.
In addition to this, the city centers are going to be auto-free zones. If you want to get around Oslo, you need to get on some wheels that are permitted to be there.
This is an impressive development, and the electric bike angle is inspired.
Electric cargo bikes are a nice blend between an electric motor-cycle and a bicycle. They are very well built and will cost you somewhere between 3-6 thousand euros. This is a daring program that really shows how committed Norway is to making a difference when it comes to pollution.
All of these ideas fit into Norway’s ambitious plan to cut their national carbon emissions in half, in just four years time.
The idea of using a heavy-duty bicycle to replace the role of a car is extremely intelligent, and because the bikes still allow a person to pedal them, they will help people stay fit.
This is a wonderful synergy that shows how going green can be good for both the planet and a person.
Norway is obviously doing everything right when it comes to green innovation at a national level, and it is a pleasure to see.
[via treehugger]
