Hybrid cars are known to reduce emissions by at least 25%, which is more than the most energy-efficient petrol and gasoline cars. Eight years prior to UK government’s complete ban non-hybrid petrol and gasoline cars, Scotland has formally stated its “bold new ambition on ultra-low emission vehicles, including electric cars and vans, with a target to phase out the need for petrol and diesel vehicles by 2032”.
This bold environmental plan includes the expansion of charging networks and establishment of low-emission zones that will encourage walking and cycling due to their good air quality. As Roseanna Cunningham, Scotland’s environment secretary, said: “As well as pushing ahead with the decarbonisation of road transport, we have also announced plans to introduce low emission zones into Scotland’s four biggest cities between 2018 and 2020 – improving air quality and making our city centres a more desirable place to live, work and visit.” These four biggest cities – Glasgow, Edinburgh Aberdeen, and Dundee – encompass major road traffics including freight and public transportation.
Some experts foresee that considering the large expansion of electric vehicles, the UK’s 2040 ban on non-hybrid cars is achievable because, by that year, there would be a limited quantity of these cars left on the market.
