Singapore to end new diesel car registrations from 2025

As part of its ambitious Singapore Green Plan 2030, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) announced that starting January 1, 2025, new registrations for diesel cars and taxis will cease. This move aligns with the nation’s vision to have all vehicles running on cleaner energy by 2040.

The decision, initially announced by the Ministry of Transport in 2021, aims to significantly reduce the country’s reliance on diesel vehicles. With cleaner energy alternatives now readily available, the proportion of new diesel car and taxi registrations has dropped below one percent since 2021. This policy is a critical step towards achieving a sustainable and eco-friendly transport system.

While new diesel vehicle registrations will be banned, existing diesel cars registered before the deadline can renew their Certificate of Entitlement (COE). However, these renewals will incur higher road taxes as a disincentive. Notably, vehicles registered under the Classic Vehicle Scheme and Vintage Vehicle Scheme will be exempt from these new restrictions.

Currently, more than 17,000 diesel passenger cars are on Singapore’s roads. However, the number of diesel vehicles is expected to decline rapidly, with many dealers already halting new diesel imports. By the end of May 2024, pure diesel vehicles constituted just 2.7% of all private cars on the road.

Singapore’s broader vision includes installing 60,000 electric vehicle (EV) charging stations by 2030 and encouraging a shift to public transport. The goal is for 75% of peak hour trips to be on public transport by 2030, increasing to more than 80% by 2040.