The UK BBC news service reports the UK Government is banning new petrol and diesel cars and vans effective 2040. In addition, the package will include a $330 million slush fund to help councils tackle current diesel emissions. This amount is part of a far larger $3.3 billion package for tackling air quality. This strategy will ‘strongly favor electric cars’, confirming electric cars are set to dominate the future.
Electric Cars Are Set to Dominate Despite Resistance
Thus far, the United Kingdom has been careful not to ‘punish’ owners of diesel cars. Since it acknowledges they purchased them because they thought that they produced lower emissions. However some experts expect a voluntary scrapping scheme later in 2017. The UK Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders appears less than content that electric cars will dominate soon.
An industry body spokesperson said, “Currently demand for alternatively fueled vehicles is growing but still at a very low level. The industry instead wants a positive approach, which gives consumers incentives to purchase these cars. We could undermine the UK’s successful automotive sector if we don’t allow enough time for the industry to adjust.”
The UK Government Move is Part of a Wider Industry Trend
A UK government spokesperson clearly saw things differently. He commented poor air quality was “the biggest environmental risk” to public health in the UK. “This government is determined to take strong action in the shortest time possible to deal with dirty diesels,” he added.
French President Macron already announced similar plans to phase out petrol and diesel cars by 2040. Some motor manufacturers appear to have anticipated the move. Volvo says all its models will be electric cars from 2040 onwards. BMW will start making fully electric versions of the Mini in England in 2019.
Related
Canada’s Making The Switch To Zero-Emission Cars
Power a House with an Electric Car
Preview Image: Palace of Westminster
