The Singapore Green Plan 2030 is an exciting and ambitious plan that showcases our country’s unwavering commitment to creating a more sustainable and liveable future. The gradual phase-out of diesel vehicles starting in 2025 is a key initiative that highlights our government’s dedication to achieving this goal. In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of why this plan is necessary, what it entails, and how it will benefit our environment and public health. We will also address some of the most common questions people have about this plan,
Understanding the Diesel Vehicles Ban
Starting from 2025, our government will begin restrictions on the registration of new diesel vehicles and they intend to phase out all Internal Combustion Engine Vehicles by 2040. Existing diesel vehicle are not affected by this diesel ban and can remain on the road after 2025. Currently, the plan for entirely phasing out existing diesel vehicles have yet to be developed.
This move is a step toward lowering air pollution and enhancing public health in Singapore. High quantities of pollutants, such as nitrogen oxides and particulate matter, are produced by such diesel vehicles. When breathed in, this damages the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. Additionally, Singapore’s greenhouse gas emissions will be reduced because of the plan to phase out diesel automobiles, aiding in the nation’s attempts to slow global warming.
Singapore is looking to follow other nations like the United Kingdom, France, and Norway. The sale of new gasoline and diesel vehicles has been proposed to be prohibited. These nations have all set comparable goals to lower greenhouse gas emissions and enhance air quality.
What Happens to Diesel Cars After 2025?
Perhaps this is the most important question that many of our fellow diesel vehicle owners have. While the registration of new diesel vehicles will no longer be allowed from 2025. For existing diesel vehicles, the eligibility for renewing COE past 2025 has yet to be announced but rest assured, if you registered a diesel vehicle even on 31 December 2024, you will be able to drive your vehicle until the COE expiry 10 years from then.
Current diesel vehicle owners who are looking for an alternative may choose to purchase a cleaner vehicle. Which will allow them to be eligible for various incentives from the government. The Carbon Emissions-Based Vehicle Scheme (CEVS) provides rebates on the Additional Registration Fee (ARF) for vehicles that produces low carbon emissions. Additionally, car owners may also be eligible for other incentives such as the Electric Vehicle Early Adoption Incentive and the Vehicular Emissions Scheme (VES) rebate. Such incentives aim to encourage vehicle owners to switch to vehicles on cleaner energy.
How will the ban on diesel cars affect public transportation?
In Singapore, public transportation is the main mode of commuting for the majority with trips being made on buses and on trains. Electric buses and trains will soon replace diesel vehicles. They are more environmentally friendly and emit lower levels of pollutants which contributes to the country’s efforts to mitigate climate change.
In light of this, our government has implemented a number of policies to encourage the use of environmentally friendly public transportation. For instance, the Green Bus Fund provides financial incentives to bus companies so they can move to cleaner, greener vehicles like electric and hybrid buses. By 2030, one in every two public buses will be electric, and a tender to buy 400 more electric buses to replace outgoing diesel buses starting as soon as December 2024 has just been published.
Other countries have already begun implementing their plans to encourage the use of cleaner energy sources for transportation. For instance, Norway has set a target of selling solely zero-emission vehicles by 2025. While the Netherlands wants to ban the sale of new gasoline and diesel cars by the year 2030, Germany has set a target of significantly increasing the number of electric vehicles on the road by that then as well.
Can diesel cars still be sold in Singapore?
Yes, new diesel cars can still be sold in Singapore until 2025 if they meet the Euro 6 emission standards. However, the government’s push towards cleaner and greener vehicles with additional grants for electric vehicles and penalties for diesel vehicles, this can result in car dealerships focusing on selling hybrid and electric vehicles in the years to follow.
Is the Singapore Green Plan 2030 achievable?
The Singapore Green Plan 2030 is challenging, but it is an achievable goal. The government has committed to investing in green infrastructure, promoting sustainable lifestyles and partnering with the private sector and communities to make Singapore a sustainable and liveable city. The government has implemented various measures to support the Green Plan, such as the Vehicular Emissions Scheme and the Carbon Pricing Scheme. Private and community efforts, such as the SG Eco Fund and the SG Cares movement all help contribute to the Green Plan.
Conclusion
The diesel vehicle ban is a crucial initiative under the Singapore Green Plan 2030 to make Singapore a sustainable and liveable city. While it may cause inconvenience for diesel car owners, who will have to adopt alternative such as electric vehicles. It is ultimately a necessary step towards reducing air pollution and playing our part towards climate change. While the ban on new registration of diesel vehicles starts from 2025. Existing vehicles are not currently affected and can remain on the road. The eligibility for renewal of COE for diesel vehicles after 2025 has yet to be announced. We must note that the government’s efforts and measures, along with private and community efforts, are crucial in achieving the goals of the Green Plan 2030. As individuals, we can also do our part by adopting sustainable lifestyles and supporting green initiatives. Together, we can make Singapore a cleaner, greener, and more liveable city for ourselves and future generations.