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Diesel motorhome in 2026: to buy or not amid restrictions

07.06.2026 16:01 1 min 2 sources РУС
itransports.fr FRA + 1 more
Diesel motorhome in 2026: to buy or not amid restrictions
Original source: Auto Plus

In Brief

Diesel remains the main choice for long-distance travel, but urban restrictions and resale uncertainty complicate the decision. The European Commission postponed the ICE ban to 2035, but low-emission zones already limit access.

In 2026, 82.4% of the van market in Europe consists of diesel models, while there are no series-production fully electric large-format motorhomes. In December 2025, the European Commission presented an update to the Green Deal, postponing the full ban on sales of new ICE vehicles to 2035, but with a possible 90% emission reduction. This provides a temporary reprieve for diesel motorhomes, which remain the most suitable option for long trips and heavy vehicles.

However, low-emission zones (ZFE) in major cities such as Paris, Lyon and Strasbourg already restrict access for diesel motorhomes with Crit'Air 2 and 3 classes, affecting resale value and operation. Regulatory requirements will tighten, and buying a diesel motorhome in 2026 may be rational only for the medium term.

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Story sources

Should you still buy a diesel motorhome in 2026

07.06.2026 itransports.fr FRA Original source

Is buying a diesel motorhome still relevant in 2026?

04.06.2026 Auto Plus FRA Original source

FR France — fuel prices

Updated: 22.08.2026

SP95-E10

$2.39 /l

€2.05 · £1.75/l

133 of 142

pricier than 93% of countries

SP98

$2.47 /l

€2.12 · £1.81/l

84 of 94

pricier than 88% of countries

Gazole

$2.62 /l

€2.24 · £1.92/l

132 of 142

pricier than 92% of countries

Gazole premium

$2.45 /l

€2.10 · £1.79/l

30 of 40

pricier than 73% of countries

GPL

$1.21 /l

€1.04 · £0.89/l

45 of 54

pricier than 81% of countries

Superéthanol-E85

$1.01 /l

€0.87 · £0.74/l

4 of 6

cheaper than 50% of countries

Cheapest on the map

Popular route

Distance

Fuel cost

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Est. time

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In December 2025, the European Commission updated the automotive Green Deal review clause. The 2035 target for zero-emission new vehicle sales was softened from 100% to 90%, with the remaining 10% allowed under strict environmental compensation. For motorhomes, which have near-zero electrification rates, this provides a multi-year reprieve before any mandatory shift to electric.

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Ronan, a 30-year-old French web developer, sold his house in 2021 for 112,000 euros and bought a used 2005 motorhome for 22,000 euros, spending an additional 800 euros on modifications. Since April 2022, he has been traveling across Europe while working remotely, saving 300–400 euros per month. His expenses include fuel (about 200 euros per month) and campsites (5–20 euros per day).

Alsace is a popular camping destination for residents of Baden-Württemberg due to its proximity. Campsites near lakes include Camping Municipal des Mouettes in Lauterbourg, with 161 pitches and 2026 rates of €13.50 for a motorhome pitch, €7.30 for a caravan, and €5.80 per adult. Camp Au Clair Ruisseau in Gerstheim offers family amenities like a heated pool, with the season running from April 3 to September 6. Ferme des Tuileries in Rhinau features a lake with a sandy beach, 150 pitches, and peak-season prices of €7 per adult, €5 per child, and €7 per pitch.

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