The automotive industry is going through turbulent times. The rise of the electric car has pushed aside the diesel engine. Electric mobility is seen as the enemy of the diesel car. However, is it their main threat? The rationing and shortage of diesel is the great danger that awaits just around the corner.
In a short space of time the electric car has gained prominence. The European automotive industry has stepped up the accelerator in its particular transition process towards fully electric mobility. The European Commission has established a clear roadmap in which everything will go through electrification at its highest level and through hydrogen. Combustion engines have an expiration date.
Is it possible to avoid this fateful fate for thermal cars? The truth is that not a few car manufacturers and giants of the automotive industry have got down to work with a clear objective, to save diesel and gasoline to keep internal combustion engines alive. All this while, in parallel, they accelerate their electrification programs by introducing new and interesting battery electric cars.
The rise of the electric car and the fall of diesel
In recent years, despite the turbulent times in the automobile industry, electrification has gained ground. Unfortunately, at the same time that the electrified vehicle is being pushed forward, diesel cars are falling out of favour. The diesel, a fuel that not many years ago was the protagonist in the Old Continent, is now fighting for its survival in the segments where the bulk of new car sales are concentrated.
This situation of fall from grace has been aggravated by the problems that the industry has been going through since 2020. Firstly, due to the closures caused by the coronavirus pandemic and later due to the stock crisis in dealerships due to the global shortage of microchips. . The tension and hypothetical breakdown of supply chains is another key that is on the table and that we must follow closely.
In this complicated context, a relevant part of the buyers have chosen either to make the leap to electrification or opt for a car with a gasoline-powered thermal engine. In any case, leave diesel aside. Electric cars are already at the top of the ranking of best-selling models, while the share of diesel cars has fallen.
at the end of 2016 saw a turning point in new car registrations in Europe
by type of fuel. Gasoline cars laid the foundations to surpass the sales figures of diesel models. Approximately half a decade later, an equally relevant milestone occurred. In July 2020, and for the first time in the modern era of the automobile industry, sales of electrified cars surpassed diesel ones.
Fear of diesel shortage opens the door to the death of the diesel car
At this point, and once we have reviewed the most important events that have occurred in Europe in recent years in relation to diesel fueled engines, What can be the detonating element that ends up killing the diesel car? Neither more nor less than fear of fuel shortage.
Video test of the Volkswagen Golf, the best-selling car in Europe in 2021. The Golf does not have an electric version
Marc Harskamp of Orim Energy, a Dutch company dedicated to the marketing, blending and supply of low sulfur fuel oil, has highlighted the new risk facing the automotive sector. “Diesel is rationed,” assured Marc. The current low production due to the maintenance that is being carried out in several European refineries, added to the boycott of Russian oil, the shortage of diesel is already being noticed in Europe. What’s more, Orim Energy expects this situation to get worse in the coming months.
In statements collected by the media Fresh Plaza, Marc points out that, although the European Union has not yet formally vetoed Russian oil, in practice this boycott already exists. «Big companies no longer dare or cannot buy Russian oil. Companies like Esso or Shell – American and British companies – cannot buy Russian oil». In addition, and as if that were not enough, Europe currently has a serious shortage of refining capacity: “The shortage was always compensated by buying refined diesel, mainly from Russia.”
Marc went a step further by emphasizing that he hopes Europe experiences difficulties with the availability of some petroleum products, especially diesel: «Russian oil will probably go to China in the future and we will replace it with oil from the Middle East and other countries».
Is it possible to prevent the death of diesel cars in Europe? There is no doubt that the future that is glimpsed for combustion engines and, more specifically for diesel cars, is very dark. However, and as we have pointed out at the beginning of this article, important manufacturers have not given up and are working with the aim of keeping thermal cars alive. It is too early to venture events, although it is equally indisputable that the events that occur in the coming years will mark the future of diesel, and also of gasoline in the automotive sector.