Electric vs Gas Cars

The number of electric vehicles sold on a global scale has increased over the last few years. Will, this number will still continue to grow rapidly as manufacturers put more focus and resources into the production of electric cars. On the other hand, the number of gas vehicles sold has slightly declined.

This is due to the increasing popularity of electric vehicles. But how do these two types of vehicles fare in comparison to one another? Well, here is an overview of electric vs gas cars.

Electric vs Gas Cars: Vehicle Range

The vehicle range in this case refers to the number of miles that the vehicle can cover before it can refill. These two types of vehicles are designed with different technologies. As a result, they have different ranges.

Electric vehicles

They are designed with electric vehicle technology which is relatively new. This means that only premium vehicles in this category can be able to effectively meet the rage that gas vehicles usually provide
.
Generally, this type of car is a viable alternative for those who travel an average of 180 miles. So, you can use it for your day-to-day activities or even go on a road trip. However, you must be sure of the available public charging options to where you are going. So, you must do comprehensive research and plan ahead of time.

Gas vehicles

They can effectively cover a distance range of 250 miles to 300 miles before they can be refilled. This is almost the same distance as Tesla Model S. this means that most people simply need to refill their gas tanks once or twice a week.

In terms of vehicle range and ownership, gas vehicles make it convenient. You don’t need to plan extensively and do research before you hit the road or embark on a road trip. You can easily find gas stations in case you need to refill.

Electric Cars vs Gas Cars: Speed

We have grown accustomed to the thought that a car with an engine that produces deep sound is powerful. If that is the case, it would mean that electric vehicles, which are mostly silent, aren’t so fast or powerful.

Electric cars

They usually accelerate faster compared to gas-powered vehicles. As a matter of fact, electric vehicles have more than the speed required for daily use. What makes this possible is because these vehicles are built with a simpler design.

They don’t have the traditional internal engines. It’s easy for them to provide full torque and can easily accelerate from zero to a hundred or so. This is an instant acceleration effect.

However, the simplified motor design of electric vehicles also has a drawback. These vehicles are designed to operate on a one-speed gear. Well, the design technology means that car manufacturers have to compromise between top speed and acceleration.

There is a big dilemma when you have to rely on single-speed gear. It simply means that the highest speed would make it challenging to get started. On the other hand, the lowest speed means that you can’t go faster.

Gas vehicles

They rely on the traditional combustion engines that normally take longer to pick up. This is because the power generated by the engine has to get to the wheels and the engine might need to rev up before it can attain the maximum torque.

Note: traditional vehicles have functionalities that may also force the power to go through various moving parts including the gearbox. In terms of speed and power, they are less efficient.

Generally, gas-powered vehicles have better and more top speeds thanks to their multi-gear design. When it comes to attaining top speeds, we still have to give EVs the top score. Gas models only have more options for top speeds

Electric vs Gas Cars: Models

Which type of vehicle offers the biggest range of model options to choose from?

Electric cars

At the moment, there less than 100 models of vehicles that are purely electrical. This means that there is a limited range of options to choose from. To cater to the different needs of customers, manufacturers have been offering hybrid options which include electric/gasoline.

Manufacturers are still trying to fully shift into the electrical space. So, the models found on the market are expected to expand in the future. Current plug-in models account for 7.7% of all the new cars that have been sold.

Gas Vehicles

They have been in existence for more than 100 years and therefore there are almost unlimited options to choose from. You can find gas vehicles in different sizes and shapes with different styles and colors. However, their production has already been maximized as manufacturers are shifting towards creating more electric cars.

Electric vs Gas Cars: Environmentally-Friendliness

The effect of gas emission on climate is significant. Every year, cars that run on gasoline release damaging fumes and gases into the atmosphere, leading to global warming.

Electric cars

They are definitely the best alternatives for cars that run on gasoline when it comes to environmental-friendliness. They are known to emit fewer greenhouse gases and other damaging pollutants. Even though the generation of electricity has increased, electric vehicles are still safer for the environment.

Gas Cars

Gasoline is the biggest contributor to air pollution. The vapor and particles produced by gasoline when it evaporates usually leads to the generation of CO2, particulate matter, as well as unburned hydrocarbons into the air. This has a damaging effect since CO2 is known for its greenhouse effect.

Electric vs Gas Cars: Refuelling and Recharging

These two types of vehicles need to be “recharged” with fuel or electric charge.

Electric cars

They are ideal for everyday use e.g. traveling to work or within your locality. However, they are not great for traveling great distances because they need to be recharged frequently.

In some places, there are still no charging stations because the technology isn’t yet more prevalent.

Charging is mostly found within urban settings and it may be, therefore, be quite difficult to access charging stations.

Gas Vehicles

Gas stations are found even in the remotest part of the country. However, you will be at the constant mercy of unexpected and wild fluctuating gas prices. It might cost you less to refill your gas tank this month compared to next month and vice-versa.

This means that if you have a gas vehicle, you can’t make a long-lasting budget due to unexpected and constant changes in gas prices. Besides that, you have to make a trip to the gas station if you want to fill up your gas tank.

Electric Cars vs Gas Cars: Costs

When looking at electric vs gas cars costs, we have to analyze these models in the short-term and long-run in order to determine if they offer value for money. More info.

Electric Cars

Looking at upfront costs, electric cars are generally expensive. You need to prepare yourself with thousands of dollars if you want a good vehicle model. But since the production of these vehicles is increasing, the high initial prices will soon start to decline.

When buying a new electric car, the upfront and maintenance costs will depend on your location, the type of vehicle you choose as well as the brand.

There is a big difference between most electric vehicle models and those that run on gas in terms of maintenance. The former doesn’t have so many components that need constant monitoring and maintenance. For instance, electric vehicles don’t have transmitters, mufflers, etc.

If you were to carry out maintenance, then you would only need to consider very few components. This usually includes brakes and tires. So, the total maintenance costs are usually higher. These vehicles have a high level of durability and you will find that during their total life cycle, they definitely offer value for money.

Gas Cars

While you might not incur serious upfront costs during their purchase, gas cars are very expensive to maintain. Of course, there are high-end gas cars that are very expensive, however, most cars that run on gas are affordable.

First, the gas prices are not fixed and you have to deal with prices that are constantly fluctuating. Secondly, there are many parts of gasoline cars that need routine maintenance checks. At the end of the day, you will find that you are spending more just to ensure that your vehicle is functional.

The Bottom Line

So, which type of vehicle is the most ideal when comparing these two types of vehicle models?

Well, if you want a relatively affordable car that has multiple gear options, then you should consider choosing a car that runs on gas. It’s ideal for everyday use and you can still use it to travel long distances.

However, the benefits offered by electric vehicles are numerous. While the high upfront costs might be a quick turnoff to most people, you will get the value of your money in the long-run.

They are easy to maintain, move at faster speeds, and are environmentally-friendly. The production of electric vehicles is expected to increase significantly in the next few years. So, the number of EV models in the market will increase while the prices will decline.