Amsterdam clears the haze

Amsterdam is removing the smog from transport as it starts banning all internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles from the city by 2030.

From 2020, specified diesel vehicles are forbidden in the city centre, then buses have to be electrified from 2022 to avoid the same result.

So it has 10 years to establish an EV infrastructure, with European energy company Vattenfall involved in providing EV charging with about 23,000 charging stations needed within half that time, including the 3000 installed now.

Amsterdam deputy mayor Sharon Dijksma tells CNN Business the city’s move on cleaning up transport is a health issue, with climate goals also a result.

The aim is to lift residents’ average life expectancy by three months and reduce CO2 emissions by up to 9%.

Several other cities like Paris plan to ban diesel vehicles by 2025. London has begun penalising vehicles in its city centre that fail emissions standards, and some German cities have put restrictions on diesel vehicles.

Amsterdam has five low emission zones which will be expanded, and regulations tightened.

Residents are encouraged to switch to electric vehicles through car-share programs and subsidies, while EV buyers will also be able to apply for a charging point in their area

Amsterdam has about 17,000 electric cars, but Vattenfall expects that could quadruple in the next three years.