EVs: parking and charging
Do EVs pay for parking? What is the difference between a charging bay and a parking space? The national rules, and why the price varies from municipality to municipality.
The rules for EV parking are among the most misunderstood in Norwegian parking — especially the claim that EVs «pay at most half price». Here is what actually applies.
From a national free scheme to municipal self-government
Until 2017, EVs could park free at municipal parking spaces across the country. The national scheme is gone, and since then each individual municipality decides whether — and how much — EVs must pay.
The «max 50%» proposal — never put into force
A proposal that zero-emission cars (electric and hydrogen cars) should not pay more than 50% of the rate for fossil-fuel cars at charged municipal parking spaces (sign 552, white «P» on a blue background) was put forward in 2018 and sent for consultation. It has not been put into force as a binding rule. Municipalities therefore still decide for themselves whether and how much electric and hydrogen cars must pay — some give half price, some charge 80% of the full rate, and some charge full price. That practice varies well outside a «max 50%» cap confirms that the rule does not apply as law.
What does it mean in practice?
The price depends on where you park. Because it is set locally, you find the actual rates on the city page for each municipality. The main rule is: check the signs and the payment app on site — an EV no longer automatically gives free or discounted parking.
A charging bay is not a parking space
This is the distinction most people get wrong. A charging bay is reserved for charging, not for parking. You should only use it if you actually need to charge — not as a place to leave the car. Charging bays are often time-limited, and where a parking disc is required, it must be placed visibly behind the windscreen. Payment for the charging itself comes in addition to any parking charge. Always follow the sign and the supplementary sign on site.
A practical EV advantage: cross-parking
On a public thoroughfare, electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles may park across a marked bay, provided all wheels are within the bay and the overhang does not exceed 40 cm on each side. Several such cars can then share the same bay (Parking Regulations § 24).
People with reduced mobility
A disabled card still gives charge-free parking, including for EVs — but not necessarily at pure charging bays.