As the UK grapples with the impending decline of diesel vehicles, a vocal group of readers have made it clear that they have no intention of switching to electric alternatives anytime soon. The analysis by electric vehicle (EV) think tank New Automotive predicted that many of the roughly 8,400 filling stations across the UK will have stopped selling diesel by 2035 as demand dwindles.
However, readers have passionately defended diesel, citing its advantages for long-distance driving, reliability, and efficiency – particularly for rural motorists, families, tradespeople, and anyone making regular motorway journeys. In contrast, EVs were widely seen as a poor fit for many real-world journeys, with high upfront costs, rapid value depreciation, limited range on long trips, and the time required to recharge acting as key deterrents.
Readers also pointed to the patchy charging network and a lack of confidence that the infrastructure can support mass EV adoption, especially outside of cities. While some accepted that diesel’s share of new sales is shrinking, few believed drivers would willingly switch to EVs simply because diesel becomes harder to find.
“An EV unfortunately does not yet offer long-range trips without recharging during the journey. This is inefficient and requires extra time,” wrote one reader. “As long as the UK charging network remains so hopelessly inadequate, unreliable and expensive, EV sales won’t take off,” added another.
The message from readers was clear: until EVs are cheaper, easier, and genuinely comparable in everyday use, drivers will continue to cling to what they know – diesel. With many modern diesel vehicles still on the road and new models available, it seems the “death of diesel” may be greatly exaggerated.
