The automotive industry has been one of the major contributors to global warming, and technology has evolved significantly over the past few decades. The use of fossil fuels to power vehicles has brought several environmental concerns, such as air pollution and climate change. To combat these issues, the European Union has recently implemented a ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars from 2035.
The Rationale for the Ban
The ban on new petrol and diesel cars aims to reduce the impact of transport on the environment. The transportation sector is responsible for significant amounts of greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution, and the effects of diesel emissions on the environment and human health are a cause for serious concern. The ban would result in a reduction in emissions from cars and help achieve the EU’s goal to become carbon-neutral by 2050. It is also a part of the EU’s broader approach to combat climate change, which includes the increased use of renewable energies.
Impact of the Ban on the Auto Industry
The ban on petrol and diesel cars will have a significant impact on the auto industry. It could also help hold manufacturers accountable for diesel claims by shifting the focus of automakers away from diesel and toward electric and hybrid engines. This will make it more difficult for car manufacturers to hide behind the excuse that diesel engines are the only way to meet emissions standards.
Battery-electric vehicles are becoming the preferred choice, primarily due to their lower overall cost of ownership. Producing hydrogen and e-fuels, which are made from electricity and hydrogen and transformed into synthetic petrol, is more expensive and energy-intensive. However, batteries have weight limitations, making it difficult to power certain modes of transportation with them. Consequently, hydrogen or e-fuels are viable alternatives for ships, planes, and heavy-duty vehicles. The development of electric vehicles will create new job opportunities in engineering, design, and battery production.
Another way that the ban can help is by promoting greater transparency from automakers. The diesel emissions scandal has shown how easy it is for car manufacturers to manipulate test results. The ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars could force carmakers to be more open and transparent about their test results and their emissions standards. To learn more about the emissions scandal, visit https://www.emissions.co.uk.
Despite the upcoming ban on internal combustion engines (ICE), second-hand cars will remain unaffected and can be freely bought and sold without any restrictions. This implies that a significant number of older petrol, and diesel cars, as well as conventional hybrids and plug-in models, are expected to remain in use long after the 2035 deadline for selling new vehicles.
Government Incentives
In 2020, the UK government announced a £1.3 billion investment to support the transition away from fossil-fuel cars. This funding will be used to create EV charge points for homes, streets, and motorways across England. An additional £582 million has been allocated for grants to assist individuals and businesses in adopting electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles (EVs and PHEVs). The government is actively investing in battery development and mass production, in addition to allocating funds for nuclear power plants. This is in response to the expected rise in electricity demand caused by the increasing number of electric vehicles on the road.
Despite the requirement for car manufacturers to sell a higher percentage of EVs each year, with a starting target of 22% in 2024 and reaching 80% by 2030, the government has not yet provided financial incentives to encourage EV purchases using taxpayer money.
Company car buyers are eligible for significant benefit-in-kind advantages if they choose an EV instead of a petrol or diesel vehicle. This discrepancy has led to a surge in EV registrations among fleet users, while demand among private buyers has declined.
Challenges to the Ban
While the ban on petrol and diesel cars is a significant step towards reducing carbon emissions and improving air quality, it also poses several challenges.
Infrastructure
Electric cars require a network of charging stations, which need to be in convenient and accessible locations. While there has been significant progress in the development of charging infrastructure, much more needs to be done to ensure that electric cars are a viable option for consumers.
Cost
The cost of electric cars is still higher than that of petrol or diesel cars, although this cost is expected to decrease over time. However, the higher upfront cost of electric cars may deter some consumers from purchasing them, particularly those on lower incomes.
Range anxiety
Range anxiety, also known as the apprehension of running out of power before making it to a charging station, is a concern many electric vehicle owners experience, particularly those who need to drive long distances. While the range of electric cars has been increasing, it is still lower than that of petrol or diesel cars. Improvements in battery technology are needed to address this challenge.