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The Future Of Fuel: Diesel, Electric, Hybrid or Petrol?
12 May 2017
With more cars on the road each year it’s important you do your research into your car’s fuel. This way you’re not only being more cost-effective but more environmentally friendly. Take a look at our overview of diesel, electric, hybrid or petrol cars to help you make a decision.
Diesel cars
Using 5-20 per cent less fuel, diesel engines are more efficient and generally have a higher resale value.
The government changed from promoting the diesel engine to actively discouraging them. There have been discussions on introducing financial incentives to change from older diesels, to potentially offering a set trade in value, which would be higher than the re-saleable value of the vehicle.
A scrappage scheme is in discussions by the Mayor of London who has commissioned a report on diesel engines. The new euro 6 engine won’t qualify if located outside of one of the clean air zones cities. The first five cities identified by the government are Birmingham, Derby, Leeds, Nottingham and Southampton.
Paris, Mexico City, Madrid and Athens have all stated recently that they will look to ban diesel cars from their cities by 2025.
Electric cars
Electric cars are quieter and cheaper on operating costs, have zero tailpipe emissions and can be charged at home if you have the facilities installed. New technology is changing and developing which means EVs need consideration.
Hybrid and plug in hybrid
There has been a huge surge in demand for Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) in the UK over the recent few years, despite the purchase price being more expensive. Vehicles with alternative fuel are increasingly becoming more popular.
The vehicles contain two engines which are typically a gasoline engine and either an electric or hydrogen engine. They can drive an average of five miles per gallon which is more than their non-hybrid equivalents. A hybrid car produces 25 to 35% less in CO2 emissions than regular cars and because they are better for environment they can travel through London’s congestion zone free of charge.
They are also quieter and produce less carbon emissions and the choice of cars is on the increase.
Petrol
Petrol engines are becoming more efficient, they generally cost less than diesel cars and alternate fuel vehicles and fuel is slightly cheaper at the pump, resulting in cheaper running costs. Petrol engines are more refined and less noisy than diesels.
The perception that they will be less expensive as a leased company car is not entirely accurate.
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