‘Diesel vehicles last’: Why readers say electric won’t replace fuel any time soon
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Iindependent Readers are debating the future of diesel cars and EVs after a report claims diesel could disappear from some London forecourts in the next four years as demand declines.
Analysis by electric vehicle (EV) think tank New AutoMotive has predicted that most of the approximately 8,400 filling stations across the UK will stop selling the fuel by 2035.
In the comments, readers made it clear why they were reluctant to switch to electric vehicles. Diesel has been repeatedly championed for its long-distance drivability, reliability and efficiency, particularly for rural motorists, families, tradesmen and anyone else doing regular highway travel.
By contrast, EVs were widely viewed as poorly suited to many real-world journeys. High up-front costs, rapid depreciation, limited range on long journeys and time required for recharging were cited as key deterrents. Readers also noted an uneven charging network and a lack of confidence that the infrastructure could support mass adoption, especially outside cities.
Some of those who admitted that the share of diesel in new sales was decreasing believed that drivers would willingly switch to electric vehicles as diesel became harder to find.
For many, the message was simple: Until EVs become cheaper, easier and truly comparable in daily use, drivers will continue to stick with what they know.
Here’s what you need to say:
I use diesel on long trips
An EV unfortunately does not yet offer long-distance travel without charging during the journey. This is inefficient and requires extra time.
That’s why I use my diesel on long journeys and my electric vehicle when the journey has planned stops, so that I can charge it during the break. Longer-range electric vehicles don’t yet go far enough and are too expensive.
Responsible
My next car will be petrol or diesel
Have any of these ‘X will be dead by some date’ predictions been anything more than a figment of the imagination of axe-wielding groups?
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EV sales will not increase as long as the UK charging network remains this inadequate, unreliable and expensive. And now with Rachel’s pay per mile idea… no, my next car will be gas or diesel.
jeffslater
Anyone buying diesel today needs to be aware of the risk
In recent months, sales of pure diesel new cars have accounted for only 4-5 percent of the market. Fuel spoils in storage tanks, so there comes a point where it’s not worth stockpiling it, then there’s a point where it’s not worth having the oil companies bear the distribution costs, and so on.
It’s not anytime soon, but it’s entirely predictable that fuel will become increasingly difficult to find. Anyone buying a diesel car today needs to know that it may have zero resale value in a few years, because someone won’t want to take the trouble away from you.
SteveHill
Who will be able to buy a new car by 2030?
How many people with diesel engines will be able to buy a new car by 2030?
But what about rural areas, where cars are especially essential because there is little or no public transportation?
Suney
They lose value faster than unrefrigerated ice cream.
Many modern EVs now offer enough range that driving beyond the battery limit is considered dangerous due to fatigue.
The problem is that they cost much more than normal people would dream of spending on a car, and they depreciate faster than unrefrigerated ice cream.
That’s not to mention the fact that since the pumps dispense multiple fuels, you can’t free up space on your forecourt by simply removing the diesel pumps.
No filling station could dream of replacing a rapidly dispensing diesel pump with a charger that takes 30 minutes to charge a car because it is not economically viable. You serve one tenth of the customers with a very small fraction of the profit.
You’ll make more money selling the land to a housing developer than offering EV charging.
Blue Whale
I can’t afford a HOME that will give me peace of mind
I chose the cars for their fuel economy, layout, and payload capacity. Over the last 20 years I’ve owned two hatchbacks, all diesels, and two estate models of a certain make.
Thanks to its 50-litre tanks (11 gallons), I had no issues with range concerns and was able to drive from Brighton to the Scottish Highlands on one tank with fuel to spare. With new diesels, some were cleaner than gasoline cars and hybrids. I traveled further using less fuel and thus caused less pollution.
My trips now cost me two or two and a half times more, consume more fuel for the same trips, and cause more pollution. I can’t afford an electric car that would give me peace of mind with similar range.
husarz1683
Diesel will be on the market for many years
Ninety percent of new minibuses sold are still diesel. For trucks it is 100 percent (and will be for the foreseeable future, regardless of Miliband’s electric dreams).
Fleets expect a 10-year service life, so I’d say diesel will be available in most services for many years to come.
Ian Robinson
Are they just scrapped?
So what happens to all the diesel cars that remain roadworthy? Are they just scrapped? Not very environmentally friendly. My diesel car is 10 years old and should last many more years. I plan to ride it until it is no longer valid. I think many people will do the same and therefore gas stations will serve them.
blood grass
Don’t rely on EV infrastructure
When my sons and I take our 500-plus mile round trip to watch our football team, they leave their state-of-the-art electric vehicles at home and rely on my 2008 diesel to get us there and back.
They know what they’re about and they don’t rely on EV infrastructure. There needs to be a major development before these.
ArnoldTabbs
Diesels purchased today will be on the roads in 2040
Diesel vehicles last. Those purchased new today will probably still be on the road in 2040. With the EU watering down its own ambitions beyond 2035, scores of Britons will drive across the border from Northern Ireland to County Donegal to buy right-hand drive diesel engines that are freely available in the Republic of Ireland.
KernowAlex
Some of the comments in this article have been edited for brevity and clarity.
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