The Norwegian market for electric vehicles is developing quickly. In some regions an
electric car is the most sold car type. This development may lead to changes in the traffic
structure of Norwegian cities and this study analyzed how ownership of an electric car
potentially impacts car use patterns. There are several conclusions that can be drawn based
First, most Norwegians who buy an electric car buy it as an addition to their household’s car
fleet. Only few people substitute their conventional car, but once bought, an electric car is
used for a large proportion of all trips. Those that own an electric car, only drive less than
conventional car owners if it is their only vehicle. At the trip level, the data indicate that
electric car owners use their car more, which is rational given the incentive structure in
Norway, and that owning an electric car reduces attitudes, intentions and perceived moral
obligation to reduce car use. Most psychological determinants also show a rather high
correlation between car purchase and use indicating potential positive spillover effects