Carbon emissions from vans still rising as UK drivers cling to diesel

illuminem summarizes for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on The Guardian or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: Carbon emissions from UK vans have risen by 63% since 1990 due to a preference for diesel over electric, driven by high costs, limited model choices, and inadequate charging infrastructure

🔭 The context: Although electric and hybrid cars are becoming more popular, van drivers face significant barriers in switching from diesel
• Campaigners urge the next government to provide financial incentives and enhance charging infrastructure to promote zero-emission vans

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: The continued reliance on diesel vans counters efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, affecting air quality and hindering progress toward climate goals
• The rise in emissions from vans is concerning despite reductions in NOx emissions from cars and HGVs

⏭️ What's next: The UK government's zero emission vehicles (ZEV) mandate requires that by the end of 2024, 10% of new van sales must be electric, increasing to 100% by 2035
• Improved incentives and infrastructure are crucial to meeting these targets and facilitating the transition to electric vans.

💬 One quote: "Despite the push for more electric vans on our roads, we are still witnessing a surge in greenhouse gas emissions from vans as a result of sustained sales of diesel vans, countering trends we are seeing in the car market." - Ralph Palmer, Transport and Environment

📈 One stat: Carbon emissions from light vans have increased by 63% since 1990, despite a 19% reduction in emissions from cars over the same period

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