A bold step towards a greener future: London's filling stations are set to phase out diesel by 2030, and here's why it matters.
In a recent report, an electric vehicle (EV) think tank, New AutoMotive, has predicted that the demand for diesel fuel is dwindling, leading to a potential shift in the energy landscape. Many of London's filling stations are expected to stop selling diesel within the next four years, and this trend is likely to spread across the UK by 2035. But here's where it gets controversial: while this move is seen as a positive step towards reducing emissions, it also raises questions about the future of diesel-powered vehicles and the infrastructure needed to support the transition to EVs.
The numbers speak for themselves: diesel vehicle numbers and fuel use have been consistently declining nationwide. In just ten years, the report forecasts a dramatic drop in diesel cars on the roads, from 15.5 million in 2025 to a mere 250,000 by 2035. London is predicted to be the first UK city to bid farewell to diesel cars, with the expansion of the ultra-low emission zone in 2023 already impacting diesel car usage.
The report states, "It is likely that some, and perhaps many, filling stations in London will stop stocking diesel before the end of the decade." This prediction is based on the clear trend of declining diesel fuel sales, driven by the reduction in car numbers. While it's challenging to accurately predict the exact timeline, the possibility of many filling stations ceasing to sell diesel in the 2030s is a distinct one.
And this is the part most people miss: some filling stations are already adapting by offering EV charging facilities. The Petrol Retailers Association (PRA) acknowledges that only 57% of its members believe fuel will remain a core revenue source in a decade. New Automotive highlights that diesel car sales have been declining since 2017, with 2023 sales 22% lower than the peak.
The Government's plan to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel cars from 2030 further supports this transition. However, the question remains: will existing diesel vehicles be phased out too? Figures show that new diesel car sales are already low, with just 5.1% of new cars bought last year being diesels. The market is shifting towards petrol and pure battery electric cars, with market shares of 46.4% and 23.4% respectively.
Ben Nelmes, chief executive of New Automotive, explains that as fewer people drive diesel cars, filling stations will naturally stop stocking diesel fuel, as it degrades when stored for extended periods. Delvin Lane, chief executive of InstaVolt, a chargepoint supplier, adds that some filling stations are already offering high-powered EV charging, providing a smoother, cleaner, and more convenient driving experience. He emphasizes that this transition is about embracing better technology, not forcing drivers into electric vehicles.
A PRA spokesman stated that their members have no definitive plans to cease selling diesel, but they are responsive to evolving customer preferences. Steve Gooding, director of the RAC Foundation, notes the irony of the situation: concerns over a lack of public EV charge points may be reversed when diesel drivers struggle to find service stations that still sell diesel. He predicts a tipping point where the commercial viability of stocking diesel at every forecourt will no longer be feasible.
So, is it time to say goodbye to diesel? While the transition to EVs is inevitable, the impact on existing diesel vehicles and the infrastructure needed to support this change remains a topic of discussion. What are your thoughts on this potential shift? Do you think the phase-out of diesel is a necessary step towards a greener future, or are there challenges and considerations we should be mindful of? We'd love to hear your opinions in the comments below!
