Scottish Government to end sale of petrol and diesel cars by 2032

The Scottish Government has announced its intention to end the sale of petrol and diesel vehicles by 2032 – eight years earlier than the UK Government.

The announcement came as the country’s first minister, Nicola Sturgeon, unveiled a £60 million Innovation Fund designed to accelerate development of low-carbon technologies by the end of this decade.

According to the Scottish Government, the new scheme will support the development of low-carbon infrastructure such as battery storage, sustainable heating systems and electric vehicle charging.

In order to achieve the goal of ending the sale of conventionally powered vehicles by 2032, the government said it would expand the country’s network of electric vehicle charging points and turn the A9 into the nation’s first electric-enabled highway.

The Scottish Government also announced plans to introduce Low Emission Zones into the country’s four largest cities between 2018 and 2020, with Transport Scotland simultaneously launching a consultation on how the areas can be implemented.

“For centuries, Scotland has been home to many great inventions and I want this technological innovation to be renewed for the future,” Sturgeon said. “I want us to be world leaders in developing new low-carbon energy technologies and embrace social changes that will reduce our emissions.”

She added: “We have set out a bold new ambition on ultra-low emission vehicles, including electric cars and vans, with a target to phase out the need for petrol and diesel vehicles by 2032, underpinned by a range of actions to expand the charging network, support innovative approaches and encourage the public sector to lead the way.”

“We have a clear vision for Scotland’s air quality to be the best in Europe,” said transport minister Humza Yousaf. “However, poor air quality remains a public health issue, particularly for those with existing respiratory and cardiovascular conditions.”

He added: “This consultation will help us deliver Low Emission Zones that are well designed with consistent national standards, in partnership with Scottish local authorities and regional transport partnerships. Low Emission Zones allow local authorities to set an environmental limit on key transport routes in order to improve air quality by allowing access to only the cleanest vehicles.”