Why Are Diesel & Petrol Cars And Vans Being Banned?
Do Not Fool Yourself In Believing Climate Change And Air Pollution Are Problems For Only Future Generations To Solve
In July 2018, the UK government announced its far-reaching ‘Road to Zero Strategy to lead the world in zero-emission vehicle technology’. The Road to Zero Strategy, is part of the broader UK industrial strategy designed to build a UK green economy ‘fit for the 21stcentury’. This includes, sorting Roadside Nitrogen Dioxide Concentrations (the “NO2 Plan”), increasing energy security, reducing air pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions.
The UK government is obligated to achieving net zero-emissions by 2050. Cutting down the greenhouse gas emissions from transportation is key in achieving success. Transportation accounts for 27% of UK greenhouse gas emissions, with road transportation accounting for up to 90% of the emissions.
Diesel and petrol internal combustion engines (ICE) are the largest contributors to road transportation emissions. Tackling the use of environment damaging ICE engines is key in achieving the government strategy to lead the world in zero-emission driving. We do not need an extensive memory to recall the ugly ‘dieselgate’ Volkswagen emissions scandal.
So bottom-line, this stupendous initiative by the government is, to improve significantly air quality levels and reduce public health hazards for current and future generations. In our view, one of the best initiatives announced by the government in regards to addressing broader issues of climate change. A well deserved standing ovation for the Secretary of State for Transport.
The UK is not the only nation to contemplate banning vehicles powered by fossil fuels. Numerous European and non-European nations (India, China and Japan) are also in the process of delivering strategies to migrate to a low carbon economy. The motivation for these countries are related to ‘national climate targets’ as per international agreements related to the Kyoto Accord and the Paris Agreement.
Is The Ban From 2032 Or 2040?
Some MPs have called for the ban on new petrol and diesel cars to be brought forward to 2032 (while some government advisors have suggested even 2030). They have also called on the government to increase investment into charging infrastructure, new technologies to support EV adoption and the speedy phasing out of polluting diesel cars. The MPs point to the dangerous levels of pollution in key UK cities and in the increased incidence of health problem directly related to increased pollution from road transportation.
Though the 2032 ban may seem ambitious for some, it is worth noting that countries like Norway and India have called for banning petrol and diesel vehicles by 2025 and 2030 respectively. In fact, Amsterdam has also announced phasing out petrol and diesel cars by 2030. Certain organisations like Greenpeace, have also challenged the UK government to move the ban to 2030.
Salient Objectives From the Road To Zero Strategy?
- Put the UK at the forefront of design and manufacturer of zero-emission vehicles
- End the sale of new conventional diesel and petrol cars and vans by 2040 (NO2 plan)
- By 2050 all vehicles on UK roads to be zero-emission
- By 2030, at least half of new cars sold to be ultra low emissions, with a target up to 70%
- By 2030, up to 40% of new vans sold to be ultra low emissions
- Taking steps to accelerate the adoption of fuel efficient low emission vehicles by fleets and businesses
- Continue to offer grants for plug-in cars, vans, taxis and motorcycles
e-zoomed view
In our view, the UK government will revise its ban date from 2040 closer to 2032, if not sooner. The UK is fast evolving to effectively achieve mass adoption of electric vehicles. Some of these include:
- An increased number of introduction of all-electric or battery electric vehicles (BEV) by mainstream automotive manufacturers
- Increased range and performance of all-electric cars and vans
- Increase deployment of public charging infrastructure. In fact, the total number of EV public charging points has now surpassed filling stations
- The continued significant change in public perception in favour of lower air pollution, lower negative impact on climate and the increased orphaning of diesel vehicles
We urge all aspiring buyers, private and business to take the step towards zero-emission driving now. Delaying will only worsen the negative impact on our families and future. We at e-zoomed are in a strong positon to assist you to migrate to a competitively priced solution of electric road transportation. Follow this link.
