Could the Dutch Realistically Ban Gas And Diesel Cars?
The Netherlands is home to world-famous tulip fields, canals, masterful works of art, and bicycle culture, just to name a few things. Diesel and gas cars might be disappearing from the country’s landscape, however, as its legislative branch is considering a ban on their sale as soon as 2025.
The motion was proposed by the Dutch Labour Party (PvdA), and has actually passed through the parliament’s lower chamber. A ban on diesel and gas car sales would supposedly only apply to new cars, so the Dutch wouldn’t have to prepare to make a new car purchase by 2025. Even hybrids and plug-in hybrids would be banned under the new law, as they still consume fossil fuels. That leaves us with 100% electric cars, like the Nissan LEAF.
While the plan sounds like a great way to finally stop car emissions once and for all, there are a few issues. EV sales only accounted for about 10% of new car sales in the Netherlands last year. That’s a lot of constituents members of Parliament would have to convince that this is a good idea. Also, there is the perpetual issue of infrastructure with EVs. While Europe in general seems to have more charging stations set up for EVs than America, is the country really ready with enough charging stations to serve all of those cars?
Another bump in the road to this proposal becoming fully realized is the issue of supply. The new Dutch law would certainly raise demand for EVs, but is there enough time between now and 2025 for manufacturers to bulk up their plants to meet new manufacturing needs? Especially since 100% electric vehicles don’t currently seem to be nearly as popular as their hybrid cousins, thanks to hybrids allowing drivers to keep going after the battery range is depleted.
Time will tell if this ban actually becomes law, and if the law will be enforceable. We have to give the Dutch credit, though, for fully committing to lowering greenhouse gasses in the atmosphere.
News Source: The Guardian
The News Wheel is a digital auto magazine providing readers with a fresh perspective on the latest car news. We’re located in the heart of America (Dayton, Ohio) and our goal is to deliver an entertaining and informative perspective on what’s trending in the automotive world. See more articles from The News Wheel.