Asger Risom
Diesel cars were once the top choice for UK drivers, but their dominance is vanishing fast. Experts now warn that by 2028, diesel could represent just 2% of all new car sales—an unprecedented collapse driven by cost, policy, and shifting attitudes.
Diesel cars were once the top choice for UK drivers, but their dominance is vanishing fast. Experts now warn that by 2028, diesel could represent just 2% of all new car sales—an unprecedented collapse driven by cost, policy, and shifting attitudes.
Diesel’s Fall from Market Leader to Minority
Once powering half of all new cars sold, diesel vehicles now account for just one in 17 new sales in the UK. If trends continue, that number could drop to one in 50 by 2028, effectively removing diesel from the mainstream.
The Shadow of Dieselgate Still Lingers
The 2015 Dieselgate scandal—when Volkswagen admitted to cheating emissions tests—shattered public trust. A decade later, the fallout continues to haunt diesel’s image, especially as cleaner alternatives gain ground.
From Tax Perks to Penalties
Diesel cars used to benefit from tax breaks, especially for company vehicles. Today, they face higher road tax and surcharges in clean air zones, making them a far less attractive option for both individuals and fleets.
Carmakers Shift Gears on Diesel
There are now only 91 diesel models available in the UK—down from 240 a decade ago. Automakers are reallocating resources toward electric and hybrid vehicles as consumer demand changes and regulation tightens.
EVs and Hybrids Take Over
Electric vehicle sales are rising sharply, including for commercial vans. EV sales of light vans under 3.5 tonnes rose 54.4% this year, while heavier electric vans jumped an astounding 163.4%.
Diesel Vans Still Holding On—for Now
Despite the shift, diesel remains the top fuel choice for van drivers, with 85.5% of light commercial vehicles still diesel-powered. But even this stronghold may fade as EV range and charging infrastructure improve.
Second-Hand Diesels Still in Demand
Used diesel cars are retaining value better than electric ones. They hold about 51% of their original price after 2-4 years—just behind hybrids (53%) and petrol (58%), and far better than EVs (36%).
2035 and Beyond: The Endgame for Diesel
With the UK set to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2035, diesel’s decline is accelerating. While the used market remains strong for now, experts agree: the fuel’s long-term future is fading fast.
This article is made and published by Asger Risom, which may have used AI in the preparation
