Petrol stations could be 'phased out' as demand for fuel drops amid EV surge
Experts have warned that petrol stations could be 'phased out' across the country thanks to the rise in electric vehicles (EVs). The drive to see more EVs on the road in a bid to curb emissions, would lead to less demand for petrol and diesel at the pumps meaning forecourts could be under threat of closure.
And it could also mean drivers facing higher prices for fuel if less is available, another increased cost for drivers. Experts at Pod Point, who install electric vehicle charging points, claim there is a likelihood there would be “less and less” petrol and diesel pumps as more switched to EVs.
Although they admitted that there were currently “no plans” to cut down on the sale of petrol or diesel, a widespread move to EVs could force businesses' hands, reports the Express.
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Such a move though would prove costly for drivers of second hand and used cars who have not switched to electric. The number of petrol stations across the UK has already reduced with statistics showing the number of sites has fallen by over 36% since 2000.
Pod Point said: “There are currently no plans to stop the sale of petrol or diesel fuel in the UK. It’s not impossible for petrol and diesel to eventually be phased out, become less available or more expensive in the future.
“The ban of new ICE cars [those with internal combustion engines] would mean that you’ll see less and less of them, as old models come to the end of their lives and are scrapped. The demand for petrol and diesel will eventually reduce, meaning supply will likely drop, too.”
Labour looks set to reintroduce the 2030 petrol and diesel car ban, bringing it forward by five years after the Conservatives delayed it until 2035.
The Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Mandate is forcing firms to produce more and more electric cars every year to meet strict targets. In 2025, firms in the UK must ensure that at least 28% of production rolling off forecourts contains zero tailpipe emissions.
However, the planned petrol and diesel ban only applies to sales of new vehicles with second-hand and classic combustion models not restricted from using the road after this date.
But, Wheeler Dealers star Mike Brewer is confident drivers have nothing to worry about for many years yet and that fuelling a car will be just the same.
He previously commented: "Nothing is going to happen. Nothing is going to change for the classic car owners. Come 2050 I will be able to drive my Porsche 911 and go to a petrol station and put unleaded fuel in it. Nothing will change.”
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