Are Diesel Motorhomes on the Way Out? What the Latest Emissions Rules Mean For You

The motorhome industry in the United Kingdom is slowly undergoing something of a transformation, influenced by evolving environmental regulations and society’s shift towards general sustainability. In this edition of our popular blog we focus on travel – specifically, the current state of diesel motorhomes, the implications of regulatory changes, and available alternatives.

The Current Landscape of Diesel Motorhomes

For a long time, diesel-powered motorhomes have been the cornerstone of the UK’s leisure vehicle market. Their popularity stems from the efficiency and torque of diesel engines, which are particularly advantageous due to the substantial weight and size of motorhomes. Diesel motorhomes continue to dominate sales so far in 2025, with leisure vehicle travellers favouring the reliability and performance they offer.

Changes to Regulations Which Will Impact Diesel Motorhomes

The UK government has set ambitious targets to reduce carbon emissions, and these directly affect the future of diesel motorhomes. A pivotal policy is the ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles, including motorhomes, which is now scheduled to come into force from 2035 – a mere decade away. The original deadline was 2030, and this extension gives manufacturers and customers additional time to adapt to the forthcoming changes.

As well as the 2035 ‘ban’, the introduction of Euro 7 emissions standards in July 2025 imposes stricter limits on pollutants such as nitrogen oxides and particulate. These regulations mean that improvements in engine technology and exhaust treatment systems are required, potentially increasing production costs for diesel motorhomes.

Changes to Vehicle Excise Duty are also on the horizon, including for electric vehicles. Starting from April 1st 2025 EVs, which were previously exempt, will incur a VED charge. This shift in policy aims to create a more balanced vehicle tax system as the adoption of EVs becomes more widespread.

Alternatives to Diesel Motorhomes

As the industry transitions, several alternatives to diesel motorhomes are emerging.

• Electric: Manufacturers are investing in electric motorhome development, focusing on improving battery capacity and reducing vehicle weight to increase range and efficiency. Current models may have limitations in range and payload, but ongoing advances in tech are expected to address these.
• Hybrid: Combining internal combustion engines with electric propulsion, hybrid motorhomes offer a transitional solution. However, under new regulations, hybrids which emit more than 115 grams of CO2 per km may face restrictions, prompting manufacturers to innovate towards lower emissions.
• Hydrogen cell: An emerging technology, hydrogen fuel cells produce electricity through a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, emitting only water vapour. While promising, this is a technology that’s still only in its infancy and requires substantial infrastructure development if there is to be substantial uptake.

Implications for Motorhome Owners

For current and prospective motorhome owners, these developments carry several implications.

• Resale: Owners of diesel motorhomes could find that there’s a depreciation in resale value as market demand shifts towards more environmentally friendly options. Staying in the loop on trends can help in making timely decisions on selling or upgrading.
• Operational costs: With the introduction of VED charges for electric vehicles and potential increases for higher-emission vehicles, owners should anticipate changes in annual tax. As low-emission zones expand, diesel motorhome users could also face restrictions or charges when travelling in certain areas.
• Infrastructure: Campsites and service areas are expected to enhance facilities to accommodate electric and hybrid motorhomes, including the installation of charging stations. Owners should plan journeys with the availability of these in mind.
• Insurance: Transitioning to alternative fuel motorhomes is likely to influence insurance premiums. It’s worth consulting with providers to understand how these changes might affect your coverage and costs.

The trajectory towards sustainable alternatives seems to be clear and ongoing. The postponement of the ban on new petrol and diesel vehicle sales (from 2030 to 2035) offers a much bigger window of time in which the industry and customers can adapt, but engaging seriously with these emerging technologies and regulatory frameworks will be crucial. However, diesel motorhomes are not disappearing overnight, and can still provide a massive amount of enjoyment. Check out the fantastic models we have in stock at Dicksons right now!