What Will Happen to Petrol Cars After 2030

 

As the world transitions toward a more responsible and renewable future, traditional petrol cars are gradually moving into the rearview mirror, both metaphorically and mechanically. In the UAE, the real question is no longer 'if' electric vehicles (EVs) will replace petrol cars, but 'when’, and with countries making clear moves to cut out petrol and diesel cars, this major change isn’t just coming, it’s already in motion.

 

In this blog post by BYD UAE, we’ll explore what will happen to petrol cars after 2030, examining petrol vs. electric cars and their impact on the UAE. It looks at the practical effects for everyday drivers, the environmental shift underway, and why transitioning to electric is now a timely choice.

 

Petrol Cars in the UAE: A Glimpse of the Present

 

For a long time, fuel-powered cars were the first choice for drivers in the UAE — they were familiar, fairly priced, and had a decent driving range. But today, as people become more aware of fuel use and the effects of climate change, things are starting to shift. Drivers and decision-makers alike are now focused on finding better, cleaner ways to get around, and that’s where electric vehicles come in, offering a fresh, future-ready option that’s designed to be both smart and sustainable.

 

Countries Are Committing to an Electric Future

 

Globally, governments like those in Germany, the UK, and parts of the EU have pledged to phase out petrol and diesel car sales by 2035, or even earlier. While the UAE hasn’t placed an official ban, it’s pushing toward greener goals through its UAE Net Zero 2050 initiative and national EV strategies.

These global and local plans are gradually transforming how people think about transport. Petrol cars will still be present in the UAE, especially in the pre-owned market, but their popularity is expected to taper off. As the conversation around electric versus petrol cars grows louder, more UAE drivers are starting to prefer electric, thanks to better tech, lower running costs, and planet-friendly performance.

 

Shaping a Greener Tomorrow: UAE Policies Driving the Shift from Petrol to Electric

 

The UAE is going full speed toward a greener future. Guided by the Net Zero by 2050 strategy, the country is steadily shifting from fuel-powered transport to smart, sustainable solutions.

In Dubai, the government is planning a big push toward green transport. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has set a clear goal: all public buses will switch to electric or hydrogen by 2050, and 100% of taxis will do the same by 2040. To support this shift, new policies require that 30% of government car purchases be electric or hybrid by 2030. It’s a strong sign that petrol-powered vehicles are slowly being phased out.

Meanwhile, Abu Dhabi’s Department of Energy is setting up a structured framework for EV charging stations, helping to future-proof the city’s streets and support a cleaner commute.

 

Strategic Incentives Encouraging the Switch

 

To speed up the switch to electric vehicles, the UAE has introduced several perks for both individuals and businesses:

- Free parking in selected areas across some emirates
- Passes without payment for Salik tolls in Dubai for certain EVs
- Price cuts on registration and renewal fees
- Special green plates that give EVs extra status and privileges

These changes aren’t just cost-saving, they deliver a clear signal: owning a petrol car is becoming less convenient, more demanding, and definitely more expensive. When you look at the comparison between electric cars and petrol cars, it’s clear that EVs offer smarter and more sustainable benefits.

 

What Happens to Petrol Cars After 2030?

 

Gradual Decline, Not Sudden Disappearance

Petrol cars won’t vanish overnight. Instead, they’ll experience a steady decline in use and resale value. After 2030, new petrol models will become increasingly rare, and the cost of owning one, especially in terms of fuel and maintenance, will likely rise.

 

Rising Fuel Costs and Parts Shortages

 

As oil demand drops globally, refineries may scale back production, potentially increasing fuel prices in markets like the UAE. Moreover, with fewer petrol vehicles being produced, spare parts will become harder to source, making long-term maintenance more expensive.

 

The Rise of Electric Vehicles in the UAE

 

Driven by purpose and powered by innovation, major cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi are rapidly preparing for a new era of electric mobility. Public charging stations are being deployed across malls, parking structures, residential communities, and highways. In 2023 alone, DEWA installed hundreds of chargers under the Green Charger Initiative, paving the way for a reliable and ready EV network.

Leading this quiet revolution is BYD, a global pioneer in next-generation vehicles. From premium sedans to practical SUVs, select BYD models, like the BYD Han or the BYD Sealion 7, are already reshaping how UAE drivers think about the electric car vs. petrol car debate. As infrastructure expands and EV benefits become clearer, the road ahead looks firmly electric.

With this rapid rollout and rising demand, the question arises: Are electric cars better than petrol cars? In terms of running costs, environmental impact, and smart technology, the answer is increasingly clear: electric cars are redefining the road ahead.

 

Petrol vs EV Ownership in the UAE

Factor	Petrol Car	Electric Car
Energy Cost	- Relies on petrol, which is subject to global oil prices and may rise post-2030	- Powered by electricity, typically cheaper per kilometre, and less affected by international markets
Maintenance	- High (oil, belts, filters)	- Low (fewer moving parts
Driving Range	- Long range, but it depends on fuel availability and cost	- Increasingly comparable range
Resale Value (Post-2035)	- Likely to drop as demand decreases and maintenance costs rise	- Likely to hold value better due to continued demand and government backing
Government Incentives	- Limited financial support or perks	- Strong incentives in the UAE, such as free parking, reduced registration fees, and toll exemptions
Environmental Impact	- High CO₂ emissions and air pollutants	- Zero tailpipe emissions; contributes to UAE's Net Zero 2050 goals

The Road Ahead: Why the Shift to Electric Starts Now

 

As we focus on a future filled with cleaner communities, calmer roads, and cutting-edge mobility, one point is crystal clear: electric vehicles in the UAE are not just a passing phase, but a permanent part of tomorrow’s transport. Petrol cars may continue cruising through the UAE for now, but consumer choices, climate goals, and carmaker priorities are clearly pivoting toward electric power.

At BYD, we’re proud to fuel this change. From the fast-paced streets of Dubai to the peaceful coastlines of Fujairah, our pioneering electric vehicles combine performance and purpose to fit the future of UAE driving.

To experience the shift yourself, visit one of our BYD locations across the UAE and explore our latest offers on models like the BYD Han, Song Plus, and many more; no matter if you’re looking for clean power or comfort without compromise, there’s a BYD car built for you.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

 

Do petrol cars have a future?

Petrol cars will still stay on the streets post-2035, particularly through the second-hand market. While they’ll remain part of the picture, shifting preferences, policy updates, and new performance standards are steadily paving the way for more people to explore electric options.

 

Will petrol cars be around in 10 years?

Yes, petrol cars will still be on the roads in 2035 and beyond, but expect fewer new models, rising running costs, and a growing dominance of EVs in the UAE.

 

What will happen to old petrol cars?

Old petrol cars will remain legal but may become costlier to own due to fuel price hikes, stricter emission rules, and parts scarcity. Their resale value may drop unless they are classic or collector’s items.