Rajan Wilcox
Diesel fuel is a fossil fuel that powers vehicles such as cars, vans, trucks, and buses. Due to their emissions, which contribute to air pollution and climate change, there is a growing movement to phase out diesel-powered vehicles. This movement includes proposals to ban or discourage the sale of new diesel-powered vehicles, encourage the use of alternative forms of transportation, and implement scrappage programs to remove diesel vehicles from the roads. While some countries and cities have stated their intentions to ban diesel vehicles, others are implementing more gradual transitions. The future of diesel fuel is uncertain, and it remains to be seen whether it will be completely outlawed or gradually phased out in favor of more environmentally friendly alternatives.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Diesel fuel vehicles phased out by | Various countries and cities worldwide |
| Ban on new diesel vehicles | To be implemented by 2035 in the UK, US, and EU |
| Ban on existing diesel vehicles | Some cities such as Brussels and Bristol have proposed banning existing diesel vehicles |
| Impact on diesel fuel | Diesel fuel may not be outlawed, but its use in vehicles will be reduced |
| Alternatives to diesel fuel | Electric vehicles, hydrogen fuel cell cars, and hybrid vehicles |
| Challenges of transitioning away from diesel | Cost of electric vehicles, lack of charging infrastructure, and consumer concerns about used diesel vehicles |
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What You'll Learn
Electric cars are more expensive than diesel cars
Several countries and cities have proposed banning or are implementing bans on the sale of new fossil-fuel-powered vehicles, including diesel cars. In 2018, Denmark proposed an EU-wide ban on petrol and diesel cars, and in 2019, it suggested phasing out fossil-fuel vehicles by 2030, which was supported by ten other EU member states. In 2021, the Indian government joined 29 other national governments in pledging to phase out the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles by 2040 worldwide and by 2035 in "leading markets". The UK government has brought forward its plan to outlaw the sale of new petrol and diesel cars and vans to 2030, with plug-in hybrids allowed until 2035.
While electric vehicles (EVs) have been more expensive to buy than diesel cars, they have long been cheaper to own and run. This is mainly because recharging an EV typically costs much less than refuelling a diesel car. However, due to the ongoing energy crisis in Europe, caused by Russia's invasion of Ukraine and threats to cut off gas supplies, electricity prices have soared. As a result, the cost advantage of EVs over diesel cars has narrowed or even disappeared in some countries with high electricity prices, such as Italy and Germany. Nevertheless, EVs are still cheaper to run in countries like Spain and Poland, where drivers can save up to 117% and 170%, respectively, by recharging instead of refuelling.
The higher upfront cost of EVs compared to diesel cars can be a barrier for some buyers. However, the average price of a new EV has been falling, and in September 2023, it was only $2,800 more than the average price of a new gas-powered vehicle in the US. With the rapid growth of the EV market, the price gap is expected to shrink further as manufacturers produce more affordable models and improve battery technology, currently the most expensive part of an EV. Additionally, federal incentives and automakers' price cuts for EVs have made them even more affordable for eligible buyers.
When considering the total cost of ownership, it is important to factor in the lower maintenance costs of EVs compared to diesel cars. Electric motors have simpler designs, resulting in fewer parts that require maintenance or replacement. EVs do not require oil changes, spark plug replacements, or the same level of brake pad replacements due to their regenerative braking feature. These advantages translate to lower manufacturer service costs for EVs than for diesel cars.
In conclusion, while electric cars generally have a higher upfront cost than diesel cars, they offer long-term savings due to their lower running and maintenance costs. However, the recent surge in electricity prices has impacted the cost-effectiveness of EVs relative to diesel cars, particularly in countries with high electricity prices. As the world transitions towards renewable energy sources and the EV market matures, the cost advantages of EVs are expected to become more pronounced over time.
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Diesel cars emit less CO2 than petrol cars
Despite the negative reputation of diesel cars in recent years, diesel cars emit less CO2 than petrol cars. In the 2000s, diesel cars were promoted as a more environmentally friendly alternative to petrol cars, and their use was incentivized by governments. Diesel engines are "lean-burn", meaning they use less fuel and more air to achieve the same performance as a petrol engine.
While diesel fuel contains slightly more carbon than petrol (2.68kg CO2/litre compared to 2.31kg CO2/litre), the overall CO2 emissions of a diesel car tend to be lower. On average, this equates to around 200g CO2/km for petrol and 120g CO2/km for diesel. However, diesel engines have been criticized for their emissions of toxic nitrogen oxides (NOx), which have been linked to respiratory problems and poor heart health.
The gap between the CO2 emissions of diesel and petrol cars is closing as manufacturers switch to more efficient smaller engines. In addition, the maintenance requirements of diesel cars are higher, as technologies such as particulate filters tend to clog up in urban driving conditions. Nevertheless, diesel cars still offer better fuel economy, making them a more cost-effective option for high-mileage drivers.
Due to the environmental and health concerns associated with diesel emissions, many countries and cities have proposed banning or discouraging the sale of new diesel-powered vehicles. The European Parliament approved a law for "zero CO2 emissions for new cars and vans by 2035", and countries such as China, the UK, France, and Germany have also set targets for phasing out fossil fuel vehicles.
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The phase-out of diesel vehicles is happening gradually
In 2021, the Indian government, along with 30 other national governments and six major automakers, pledged to phase out the sale of all new petrol and diesel vehicles by 2040 worldwide, and by 2035 in "leading markets". Some cities have also taken measures to phase out fossil fuel vehicles, with some signing the Fossil Fuel Free Streets Declaration, committing to banning emitting vehicles by 2030.
The European Parliament approved the law for "zero CO2 emissions for new cars and vans by 2035" in February 2023, with all 27 EU member states agreeing to the proposal. This came after Denmark proposed an EU-wide prohibition on petrol and diesel cars in 2018, which was not in line with EU regulations at the time. In 2021, France opposed a ban on combustion-powered cars, specifically hybrid vehicles.
The phase-out of diesel vehicles is being encouraged through various initiatives, such as the promotion of electric vehicles (EVs) and the development of charging infrastructure. The UK government has pledged £1.3 billion for EV charging points, and Norway has made EVs exempt from VAT and provided free public charging points, making them more affordable to buy and run than petrol and diesel vehicles. However, the high cost of electric vehicles compared to their fossil-fuelled counterparts remains a challenge, despite government subsidies.
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Scrappage programs incentivise the switch from diesel to cleaner vehicles
Scrappage programs are government incentive schemes that promote the replacement of old vehicles with modern vehicles. They are designed to stimulate the automobile industry and remove inefficient, polluting vehicles from the road. These programs are crucial for promoting cleaner air and reducing harmful emissions from older vehicles.
Many countries and cities worldwide have proposed banning or discouraging the sale of new fossil-fuel-powered vehicles or the use of existing fossil-fuel-powered vehicles. Diesel cars have been demonized in recent years due to their environmental impact, and cities like Brussels and Bristol have proposed banning them. In 2015, the Volkswagen scandal, known as Dieselgate, brought new air quality concerns to light, as it was found that VW had programmed TDI diesel engines to activate emissions controls only during lab tests, emitting up to 40 times more nitrogen oxides in reality. This, along with headlines about the UK's failure to meet air quality targets, led to a rapid decline in diesel car sales.
Scrappage programs incentivize the switch from diesel to cleaner vehicles by offering financial rewards to those who trade in their old, polluting vehicles for newer, more environmentally friendly ones. For example, the city of Ghent offers a scrapping premium of €1,000 for diesel vehicles and €750 for petrol vehicles. Japan introduced a similar program, offering up to JP¥250,000 (~US$2,500) to trade in vehicles thirteen years or older for newer, more environmentally-friendly cars. The Japanese government also included a tax break on gasoline-electric hybrid vehicles and other low-emission cars and trucks.
The ULEZ (Ultra Low Emission Zone) scrappage scheme in London is another example of a successful scrappage program. It targeted vehicles that did not meet the Euro 6 diesel or Euro 4 petrol standards, typically older models. Eligible drivers received financial incentives to scrap their non-compliant cars and switch to cleaner alternatives, such as electric or low-emission vehicles. This initiative helped improve air quality, reduce harmful emissions, and supported London's environmental goals.
In addition to financial incentives, scrappage programs can also include tax breaks and subsidies to encourage the adoption of cleaner vehicles. For instance, the German government is considering a voluntary scrappage scheme for old, inefficient diesel and gasoline cars, which could help reduce emissions and improve public health. This scheme would provide car owners with a subsidy when switching from a combustion engine vehicle to an electric car.
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The ban on diesel vehicles will improve air quality
The use of diesel in transport has come under increasing scrutiny in recent years, with many countries and cities moving towards banning diesel vehicles to improve air quality. While diesel cars emit less CO2 than petrol cars, they produce particulate matter (PM) and nitrogen oxides (NOx), which contribute to air pollution and have negative impacts on human health.
Diesel engines have been found to emit high levels of nitrogen oxides, which has brought air quality concerns to the forefront. This, along with the failure of some countries to meet air quality targets, has led to the planned introduction of clean air zones and a decrease in the sales of diesel cars. Cities such as Brussels, Bristol, Paris, Mexico City, Madrid, and Athens have proposed banning diesel vehicles by 2025 to improve air quality and reduce emissions.
The European Commission has also played a role in reducing emissions by proposing a 100% reduction of emissions for new car and van sales by 2035, which was approved by the European Parliament in February 2023. Additionally, the Indian government, along with other national governments and automakers, pledged to phase out the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles by 2040. This demonstrates a global effort to reduce emissions and improve air quality.
To facilitate the transition away from diesel vehicles, governments can offer incentives for owners to scrap their fossil fuel vehicles and purchase cleaner alternatives. For example, the city of Ghent offers a scrapping premium for diesel vehicles, encouraging a shift towards more environmentally friendly options. Furthermore, electric cars are becoming increasingly popular, with sales of electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) tripling in October 2020 compared to the previous year.
The ban on diesel vehicles is expected to have a positive impact on air quality by reducing emissions and encouraging the use of alternative forms of transportation, such as electric vehicles. This transition will not only improve air quality but also contribute to the fight against climate change.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, diesel fuel will be outlawed. The UK government has brought forward its plan to ban the sale of new diesel cars and vans to 2035, pushed back from the original target year of 2030.
The alternatives to diesel fuel include electric, battery-powered cars, and hydrogen fuel cell models.
The ban on diesel fuel is expected to reduce air pollution and bring air quality within the guidelines set by the World Health Organization (WHO). It will also help countries meet their targets of net-zero carbon emissions.
