As the world has become increasingly aware of the impacts of global warming and the need for drastic changes to be made, one of the major changes that has been announced is the phasing out of gas-powered cars. This move is in response to the extreme damage that vehicles fuelled by petrol and diesel cause to our environment.
The move, that was initially proposed in 2017 and is due to come into full effect by 2030, will see the reduction of new diesel and petrol car sales that many experts believe could delay global warming by more than 0.1°C by 2050. Making it a major step toward better environmental protection.
The landscape of car sales will change dramatically as electric and hybrid cars become the norm. Electric cars run on battery power and require a charging point to power their motor, while hybrid cars combine battery power with the use of traditional fuel, such as petrol or diesel.
With many major cities placing restrictions on the use of diesel and petrol cars due to the dangerous levels of air pollution they create and manufacturers such as Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz and Ford making the switch to electric cars and hybrids, the use of petrol and diesel-powered cars is already becoming less popular.
The initial cost of purchasing a car with a traditional fuel engine is much less compared to their electric and hybrid counterparts, however this could change in the near future through government subsidies and incentives to encourage consumers and businesses to switch to cleaner alternatives.
The research and development of battery technology has also seen drastic improvements over the past few years, with range and recharging times both improving, making electric cars much more feasible for everyday use.
Of course, with any major changes, there are potential drawbacks. Investing in the production and sale of electric and hybrid cars could be a huge financial burden for some companies, as well as the expensive costs associated with building the necessary power outlets and charging points to support the switch.
Nevertheless, in the long run this move could ease the strain on the planet by reducing emissions and pollutants. It will also protect our planet for years to come, allowing future generations to enjoy the world we inhabit.
Although the end is nigh for gas-powered cars, the switch to electric and hybrid vehicles could not only be a positive step in the fight against climate change, but could open up a huge number of opportunities for innovation and technological advancements that could help shape the future of the automotive industry.