The phasing out of diesel-powered vehicles is one of the most significant transformations currently reshaping the automotive industry. Environmental concerns, public health imperatives, and technological advances in electric vehicles (EVs) are some of the reasons behind this seismic shift. But as the world charts a course away from diesel, which country is making the fastest sprint towards a diesel-free future?
Why Ditch Diesel?
Diesel engines have long been favoured for fuel efficiency, especially in commercial vehicles and heavy machinery. However, their use comes at a high cost to the environment and human health. Diesel vehicles are a significant source of nitrogen oxide (NOx) and particulate emissions, contributing to poor air quality in urban areas and various health issues.
The harmful impact of diesel was starkly highlighted by the Dieselgate scandal, in which major car manufacturers were found to be cheating on emissions tests. The reality of Volkswagen, BMW, and Mercedes emissions shook consumer confidence in diesel cars and galvanised governments to urgently reassess their transport policies. In the post-Dieselgate era, nations have doubled down on enforcing stricter emission standards, diesel claim lawsuits, and fostering the development and adoption of cleaner mobility solutions. More about this topic is available at Claimexperts.co.uk.
Europe’s EV Surge
Europe has been a hotbed for the growing electric vehicle movement, with a flurry of policies, incentives, and infrastructure development to support the EV transition. In the final quarter of 2022, Alternative Propulsion Vehicles (APVs) dominated over half of the EU car market at 53.1%, with more than 1.3 million cars registered.
APVs are vehicles that do not rely on traditional fossil fuels like petrol and diesel or use a hybrid system combining a fossil fuel engine with renewable energy sources, such as electric batteries. This marked the first time APVs surpassed petrol and diesel vehicle sales in a quarter. Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) achieved record-breaking growth, capturing 12.1% of the market share in 2022, up from 9.1% in 2021 and just 1.9% in 2019.
Hybrid cars also succeeded, reaching a market share of 22.6%, a significant increase from the same period in 2021. During this period, BEV registrations spiked by 31.6%, and 406,890 units were sold in the EU. Germany led BEV sales with 198,293 units sold, followed by France and Sweden. Countries like Cyprus had low BEV sales but showed remarkable growth rates compared to the previous year. A decade ago, electric cars comprised only 0.5% of the automotive market compared to today’s substantial figures for APVs and BEVs.
European nation-states are adopting different strategies to reduce their reliance on diesel, with a few frontrunners leading the pack.
Consistently at the forefront of EV adoption, Norway has set ambitious targets to phase out fossil-fuelled vehicles. They aim to ban the sale of internal combustion engines by 2025, an early deadline to accelerate their carbon-neutrality goals.
The powerhouse of the EU, Germany is ramping up its EV infrastructure and incentives, with plans to have a million public EV charging points by 2030. Additionally, several German cities have announced bans on diesel vehicles to combat air pollution. Long known for its progressive environmental policies, the Netherlands is incentivizing the shift to electric by providing subsidies for EV purchases and leasing while restricting the use of diesel vehicles in city centres. Launched by President Emmanuel Macron, the country’s Energy Transition for Green Growth plan aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, with a significant part of this aspiration involving weaning from diesel.
The Driving Forces behind the Transition
A combination of factors has catalysed the decline of diesel across these nations. Stringent emissions regulations, growing public awareness of the health impacts of diesel particulates, increased investment in renewable energy, and advancements in battery technology have all played significant roles.
Financial benefits, from tax exemptions to subsidies, are sweetening the deal for consumers looking to switch to electric. The total cost of ownership for EVs is rapidly falling, making them a more attractive option than diesel vehicles, which are increasingly seen as environmentally and economically unsound.
Mass protests and a groundswell of public support for environmental protection and public health have influenced many EU countries’ policies on diesel. People are demanding accountability from car manufacturers, and their voices are turning into votes for leaders and laws that favour sustainable transport choices.
The phasing out of diesel is closely tied to its known health hazards, particularly in urban environments. The health costs associated with pollution have become increasingly difficult to ignore, prompting urgent action.
The rapid development of battery technology and the falling prices of lithium-ion batteries have significantly improved the performance and range of electric vehicles. This, coupled with the growing network of charging stations, has alleviated much of the range anxiety that previously deterred consumers from purchasing EVs.
