With the current availability of both petrol and diesel vehicles until at least 2035, many drivers are faced with the decision of choosing the best-fuelled option for their driving needs. The oncoming ban on new petrol or diesel vehicles in favour of all-electric vehicles is set for 2035, but existing vehicles can still be bought or sold after then.
Over the next 10 years, filling stations will have more electric charging points and fewer petrol and diesel pumps, and many independent filling stations may cease to exist as it is very costly to install electric charging points. However, the market is adapting to these changes, but it’s expensive, so it is no wonder that many roadside garages are closing up shop. It is not just the filling stations that will need to move with the times and install more EV charge points, but more cost-effective home charging will also have to be rolled out so that the infrastructure is there to ensure all EVs can be charged quickly and efficiently. While there is still the worry of charging, many drivers will opt for traditional fuelled cars first, and then they may consider hybrids that still use petrol or diesel. However, currently, fully electric cars and vans are still lagging behind in new sales.
While petrol-fuelled cars may be slightly cheaper to purchase new than diesel cars, the ongoing cost of fuel is a factor to consider. Petrol is currently cheaper per litre than diesel, but petrol cars use around 20% more fuel. It’s anticipated that these prices will rise as the electric revolution gains momentum. This shift is expected to encourage more drivers to consider electric vehicles. However, the development of better and more cost-effective charging solutions, such as faster charging times and more affordable home charging options, is still underway.
When making the decision between diesel and petrol, it’s crucial to consider your regular driving needs. If you regularly drive over 15,000 miles per year, then diesel may be the best bet as you will get more miles from a tank, plus diesel engines are typically longer lasting than petrol engines – albeit more complex.
A petrol engine should last up to 200,000 miles if well maintained, but a diesel engine may last over 300,000 miles or more, so it is essential to look long-term when considering your next fuelled car.
Check your usual mileage; if they are mainly small journeys, then the petrol engine may be best for you, especially if it is local driving. However, if you regularly do long trips, the diesel engine may work out better. It is still very much the consumer’s choice currently, but in the next 10 years, the options will start to dwindle in favour of electric vehicles. If you usually change vehicles every few years, you still have a few more changes until you consider the electric options. Still, it is wise to look at hybrid cars to see if they fit your driving needs, as this is how most drivers will go before converting to fully electric.