Oslo doesn’t require fast chargers in every location, and it demonstrates this on a daily basis.

      At the close of 2025, Oslo had 120,469 electric cars, which represents almost half of its passenger vehicle fleet. Approximately 78% of its 4,519 public charging stations are slow AC chargers located in areas where individuals typically park. The EU outlines the right to plug in Article 14(8) of the updated buildings directive, with implementation expected by May 2026.

      Nearly half of the vehicles in Oslo are electric, and most are charged using slow plugs. Reports from InsideEVs indicate that the city’s fast chargers are underutilized. The fleet data is sourced from the statistics office, revealing that Oslo had 120,469 electric cars out of a total of 246,809 passenger vehicles, with Bergen exhibiting an even higher proportion.

      The distribution of charging options is the noteworthy aspect. Of the 4,519 public charging points, about 78% were rated between 3.6 and 43 kW, as recorded by Statistics Norway. The remaining chargers are less numerous than one might think—611 points were in the range of 50 to 250 kW, while 376 exceeded 300 kW, sufficient for taxis, vans, and occasional emergency use.

      What facilitates this system is not merely the equipment but rather the locations of the chargers and the permissions regarding their installation. Since 2020, many residents of Oslo's apartments have had the legal right to set up a charging point in their designated parking space. This single regulation has proven more effective than any charging hub.

      Additionally, the city waives parking fees for public chargers overnight, making it more practical to utilize a slow charger while sleeping rather than waiting by it.

      For several years, Europe has been focused on a different issue. According to TNW in 2021, three countries accounted for 70% of the bloc’s charging points.

      The mathematics of slow charging is straightforward and adequate. A 6 kW charger can deliver approximately 36 kWh over six hours, which equates to about 100 miles of range for many vehicles.

      The ongoing discussion has revolved around volume. In 2022, car manufacturers contended that the bloc would need 6.8 million charging points by 2030, contrasting with a lower official target.

      The European equivalent of Oslo’s regulation is now forthcoming, situated within the revised buildings directive rather than in any transportation legislation, indicating its perception.

      Article 14(8) instructs member states to simplify the installation process for tenants and property owners, with implementation expected by May 2026, though Transport and Environment has labeled it as ambiguous.

      The significant gap to highlight is that Norway established this right along with a parking discount six years before Brussels prompted anyone to take action.