Fuel information

Thinking of buying a new vehicle?

Decide if a diesel, petrol or electric vehicle is for you

The benefits of different fuel types has been a conversation with varying degrees of changing information. These facts can help you to decide which vehicle type is best for you.

Diesel

Why diesel?

Lower CO2 emissions¹

Diesel cars make a significant contribution to lowering CO2 emissions in Britain. Diesel cars can emit up to 20% less CO2 than a petrol car.

Therefore any measures that undermine diesel uptake could erode the industry’s ability to meet its 2021 95g/km target.¹

ULEZ free¹

Londons Ultra Low Emission Zone is due to come into effect in 2019. Any vehicles which don't pass emissions standards will have to pay to enter these zones.

However, post 2016 diesels such as the Renault MEGANE will be able to enter the zone without being subject to the ULEZ charge. Renault diesel vehicles registered after September 2015 can enter this zone free of charge due to their lower emission engines and limited NOx outputs.¹

Just 11% of Urban NOx¹

Although it has been reported that diesel cars are the main culprits of NOx chemicals in urban areas, diesel cars are not the main source of urban NOx.

While road transport as a whole is responsible for around half of London’s NOx, diesel cars produce just 11%, although concentrations will vary at different times depending on congestion¹

Petrol

Why petrol?

Low NOx

Petrol cars emit lower levels of NOx emissions than their diesel counterparts.

This means that older models of petrol vehicle can enter Londons Ultra Low Emissions Zone for a lower charge than older diesels.²

CO2 levels

Petrol cars however, release significantly higher levels of CO2 than Diesel models and are likely to make a bigger impact on climate change.²

Efficiency and cost

Petrol cars have a relatively low efficiency rate compared to Diesels or Electric vehicles.²

Financially, a petrol vehicle is cheaper to purchase initially and have lower fuel costs. However, diesel engines are known for being more efficient.

Electric

Why electric?

Cleaner, smoother driving

Pure electric cars have no tailpipe emissions and don't have an exhaust. This will help to reduce the effects on air pollution and climate change.

Electric vehicles, like the Renault ZOE offer an excellent driving experience. Due to their motors, pure electric vehicles have a quiet, smooth but powerful drive.

Cheap to run³

Although Electric Vehicles like the ZOE can be more expensive to purchase initially, they are much cheaper to run.

A full charge costs as little as £3†  Whereas petrol or diesel cars will cost around £10 to £13 in fuel for the same journey.³

Government supported

Electric cars are fully supported and in fact encouraged by the Government.

An initiative called the plug-in car grant provides a discount of up to £4,500 for eligible pure electric cars making them more affordable. There are also grants available to help with costs of home charging.⁴

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive:

"Euro 6 diesel cars on sale today are the cleanest in history. Not only have they drastically reduced or banished particulates, sulphur and carbon monoxide but they also emit vastly lower NOx than their older counterparts – a fact recognised by London in their exemption from the Ultra Low Emission Zone that will come into force in 2019. Some recent reports have failed to differentiate between these much cleaner cars and vehicles of the past. This is unfair and dismissive of progress made. In addition to their important contribution to improving air quality, diesel cars are also a key part of action to tackle climate change while allowing millions of people, particularly those who regularly travel long distances, to do so as affordably as possible." *

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¹SMMT New Car CO2 report 2017

 ²Information sourced from The Department of Transport.

³http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/blog/benefits-buying-electric-car

⁴Vehicle pricing and offers quoted are subject to availability of Government Plug in Car Grant of 35%, up to a maximum of £4,500.) Based on eligibility of the Wall-Box Included offer and meeting the qualifying criteria of the OLEV (Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme) subsidy of £500.00 (including VAT). For full Terms and conditions see here. (2) Based on a standard single-phase domestic installation, carried out by 1 man within a maximum of 6 man hours – cable run under 20 metres, no civil works and no electrical remedial work required, asbestos free site, working at normal height. Other costs may apply to a specific installation, which will be confirmed before any work is undertaken.

*https://www.smmt.co.uk/2017/04/10-facts-you-need-to-know-about-diesel/

† Less than £3.00 recharge cost - based on (a) overnight electricity charges (EDF energy Simply Fixed August 2018 rates with payment via monthly Direct Debit), (b) a full recharge of the 41kWh battery and (c) 186 miles on one charge.