Buddy (electric Car) - Information

Information

Electric cars usually reduce the over-all release of greenhouse gases, especially when the electricity needed to charge the batteries is produced by renewable energy forms or nuclear power (about 98% of all energy consumed in Norway comes from renewable sources). Additionally, pure electric cars do not pollute locally and produce considerably less noise than other vehicles. A small electric vehicle, such as the Buddy, is especially efficient in terms of energy and area usage. It uses energy resources 3-5 times more effectively than gasoline or diesel vehicles and can park sideways. In Norway, the authorities allow electric vehicles to drive in bus lanes, use toll roads free, and to park in municipal car and, for electric vehicles classified as motorcycles, motorcycle parking places free. The annual road tax is significantly reduced (NOK 370 in 2007).

Current annual production of electric cars is 4,380. Buddy ranks 29th in terms of sales by automotive brands in Norway in 2006, ahead of Jaguar, Fiat, Smart and Porsche. Most cars are black/dark/grey/silver, about 80% of Buddys are delivered in strong, bright colours with many using bold decorative elements: flowers, hearts, clouds, and flames – and a multitude of colours. One Buddy was designed to match the owner's night table lamp.

A total of 125 Buddies were sold in Norway during 2011 representing a market share of 6% of all electric vehicles sold in the country that year.