Are Diesel Cars To Be Banned By 2027? Know This

Posted on: Aug 2, 2023 | 3 mins | Written by: HDFC ERGO Team

Are Diesel Cars To Be Banned By 2027? Know This

Air pollution has been a growing concern for both the state and central government. India already has some of the most polluted cities in the world and with a growing economy and more vehicles being so every day, the list might increase in the future. In a bid to curb the growing pollution problem, the government is mulling over a diesel vehicle ban for all passenger vehicles by the year 2027.

The government is planning for a diesel vehicle ban in certain cities, particularly the ones that have a pollution density of more than a million people. Apart from sales of new vehicles, the suggested ban would also apply to vehicles that are older than 10 years. And could potentially expand to include petrol-based vehicles as well. These are done to push the sales of electric vehicles and vehicles that support alternate fuels.

It has been known for a while that a diesel car can produce more harmful emissions than a petrol-based car. If you already own a diesel car or are planning to buy one, being aware of the potential ban and the reasons why the ban is being considered is crucial.

Top reasons for diesel car ban by 2027

Here are some of the reasons why the government is planning to implement a diesel vehicle ban in certain cities in the country.

1. Environment concerns:

A diesel car is known to produce more harmful emissions and that is one of the major reasons for the diesel ban. Diesel engines produce ozone at ground level which can be fatal for plants, vegetation, and even crops. A diesel car also produces nitrogen oxide, which is an ingredient of acid rain. It can impact the soil quality, water quality on lakes and other water bodies.

They produce a higher level of particular matter(PM). And prolonged exposure to high levels of PM can lead to lung-related issues such as asthma and even premature death. There are a few studies that have pegged the number of deaths due to air pollution at 1.2 million a year. And these issues are related to the economy as well, accounting for almost 3% of the GDP.

2. Stricter government guidelines:

There are enough studies that show the impact of diesel engines on the environment and health. And the government is planning a push to reduce greenhouse gases. Reducing the dependence on diesel engines will help the country with energy security, curb the pollution problem and even aid in the economy.

Aiming towards a sustainable future, the government is planning to be carbon neutral country by 2070. And in a bid to achieve that, alternate fuel options are being explored along with producing cleaner energy.

3. Electric vehicles:

Though electric vehicles have been around for a while, it was only in recent years that they have received a lot of attention. The government also is pushing for faster adoption of electric vehicles with schemes such as FAME. By providing subsidies and providing better infrastructure, the government has allowed for better penetration of electric vehicles. And a strong in the sales of EVs shows the same. Moving to electric vehicles instead of internal combustion engines will ensure that India imports lesser crude oil and can limit air pollution being produced by vehicles.

4. Cost analysis:

In the past, there was a strong reason for people to opt for a diesel car since there was a considerable gap in the price of petrol and diesel. However, the gap is narrowed down a lot in recent years, making petrol engines a more viable option. And with stricter rules coming in, the cost of research and development of diesel engines has gone up, making them even more expensive than ever.

The same can be seen on the sales chart as well. Back in 2013, diesel cars accounted for 58% of all passenger vehicle sales. And in 2021, it was merely 17%. As a result, several car manufacturers have moved away from offering a diesel car in their lineup.

Why are car insurance policies important?

Though the diesel vehicle ban is proposed to take place by 2027, it does not mean the existing cars should be neglected. As a car owner, it is your responsibility to opt for a car insurance policy and there are quite a few reasons for it.

1. Protection against accidents:

Irrespective of which type of car you drive, it can be prone to accidents and mishaps on the road. Having zero depreciation car insurance will make sure that your car is well protected and that you do not end up paying anything from your pockets during claims. You can claim the policy, even if you were at fault.

2. Third party liability:

If another person or vehicle is involved in an accident, the liability of paying the damages or injuries lies with you. This is where your car insurance policy can save the day for you. The policy will also cover legal expenses.

3. Mandated by the law:

The Motor Vehicles Act of 1988, makes it mandatory for all car owners to have valid insurance on them always. Should you fail to have insurance, you will be liable to pay a hefty penalty to the traffic police department.

4. Climatic calamities:

If your car is at the receiving end of damages due to natural calamities, comprehensive insurance can help you with compensation and damage repair. The damages could be due to cyclones, floods, landslides, etc. but a comprehensive plan will safeguard your car and your finances.

Conclusion

The Diesel vehicle ban that has been proposed by the government aims at reducing pollution by promoting alternative fuels and even electric vehicles. If you are planning to buy a diesel car, it is important to keep a close eye on the diesel vehicle ban, since one buys a car usually for a few years and not just for a year or two.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purposes only. For more details, please refer to the policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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