When Will China Ban Petrol and Diesel Cars?

While nations like France and the UK are spearheading the global petrol ban, other superpowers like China aren't quite there yet. According to the People's Republic, there are plans to ban production of petrol and diesel cars "in the near future" though no exact dates have been confirmed.

So when will China pull the trigger?

China moving forward with “relevant research”

Harbouring the world’s biggest vehicle market, China has major air pollution problems. While it's currently plagued with some of the dirtiest air on the planet, a new announcement from the Chinese government has promised that a ban on the production and sale of fossil fuel cars is on the horizon. It's part of Beijing's bid to ease pollution across the country and tackle the nation health crisis that's afflicted China for decades.

Xin Guobin, vice-minister of industry and information technology has confirmed that his ministry is moving forward with “relevant research” and is currently working on a timetable. He maintains that the policy will be implemented soon and promises “these measures will promote profound changes in the environment and give momentum to China’s auto industry development.”

China calls for "vigorous" action

As well as cleaning up its air pollution act, a Chinese ban on fossil fuel vehicles would offer a huge boost to the electric and hybrid vehicles markets.

“Enterprises should strive to improve the level of energy saving for traditional cars, and vigorously develop new energy vehicles according to assessment requirements,” he said.

Of course, some manufacturers have already embraced the idea of a fossil fuel free China. Volvo is set to introduce its first 100% electric car to Chinese drivers in 2019, while Ford will launch its first hybrid vehicle in early 2018. By the end of 2025 the company envisions that 70% of all its Chinese cars available will have electric options.

When it comes to air pollution nitrogen oxides (NOx) are one of China's biggest culprits. For a closer look at how labs are able to detect the presence of NOx don't miss 'Nitrogen Oxides Measurements in Hydrocarbon Gases.' It spotlights the benefits of dry colorimetric detection, which has emerged as an efficient way to monitor NOx at very low concentrations for both laboratory and online analysis.