Gas vs. Electric: Debunking Myths and Much More

Posted Wednesday, Apr 19, 2023

Electric vehicles are rapidly becoming a fast-growing section of the automobile market. According to the International Energy Agency, electric car sales have doubled in 2021 and broke past records as markets flooded with plug-in hybrids or fully electric cars.

Electric cars are becoming increasingly popular due to the following reasons;

1. Electric vehicle support environmental conservation by reducing carbon emissions.
2. No urban air pollution, as electric cars don’t burn fossil fuels.
3. No noise pollution, electric vehicles take care of that too.
4. Better battery performance.
5. Save fuel costs.

However, with every latest technology, there exists a population segment that doubts its efficiency and whether or not it is worth obtaining. There are many people who are still in favor of their gas-powered vehicles, and rightly so. There are indeed some downsides to electric cars, but that doesn’t mean that this new innovation in the automobile market hasn’t become more efficient, affordable, and economical for consumers.

Is It Better to Use an Electric Car or a Gas Car?

There are pros and cons associated with both EV and gas cars.

Electric Vehicles Are Expensive to Own and Maintain

The differences in cost majorly affect the choice of people to get an electric car or a gas car. There are many factors that a buyer must consider before purchasing the car; the upfront cost of the vehicle, maintenance and repair bills, fuel charges, etc.

Electric cars are very expensive to buy as compared to gas vehicles. If we factor in purchase cost, too, the average annual cost to run an electric vehicle can go up to $10,360.

Whereas the purchase cost, along with the cost of running a gas vehicle per year, is only around $8,691.

Cost Per Mile

Considering the fuel price hikes, an electric car demands a lesser cost per mile as compared to a gas vehicle. The average cost per mile of an electric car is almost $0.03, whereas the same for a gas vehicle is over $0.06.

So if we have only taken into account differences in the cost of electricity and gas in the USA, the electric car is the more economical vehicle to choose. Since electricity is much cheaper than gas in the USA, an electric vehicle can save up to 70% of fuel costs as compared to gas vehicles.

The Recharge Costs of EVs Vary With Different Factors

Many gas-powered car owners refuse to switch to EVs because they fear running out of power mid-journey. While their concerns do make sense, as electric vehicles stop when they run out of power, and a spare can of gas cannot move the car.

But the new battery technologies ensure that electric cars are charged in minimum time and give maximum miles. The average miles that an electric vehicle can give has improved to more than 200 miles. However, there are certain factors that affect the recharge costs and range of your EV, and they include;

1. Colder weather results in lesser miles and also impacts the heating efficiency of the EV battery.
2. The efficiency of an electric car depends on its speed.
3. Using heating or air conditioning in your car will drain the battery faster.

EV Mechanical Needs Are Fewer and Less Costly

Unlike gas vehicles, in which the engine uses fuel that burns to provide power, electric vehicles have batteries that do not require regular oil changes, filter changes, and other maintenance protocols.

If we consider these regular maintenance costs that a gas vehicle demands but an EV don’t, then yes, electric cars cost less to maintain and repair as compared to gasoline cars. In fact, it is suggested that the annual cost of maintaining an electric car is almost $900, which is $300 cheaper than maintaining a gas-powered car.

Electric Cars Have a Fewer Vehicle Selection Than Gas Cars

When it comes to the variety of vehicles, gas-powered cars have surely outdone electric cars. There are hundreds of models to choose from, and those who are passionate about every single aspect of their car, from its color to design to the brand, will definitely choose a gas car.

Whereas EVs have only around 30 models to choose from, there are many automobile manufacturers and investors that are working hard and fast to introduce more models to choose from.

Debunking Myths About Electric Cars

Electric vehicles are sometimes debased and sometimes glorified beyond what it actually delivers. Here we are debunking a few myths that will further clear your concept about electric cars and how they work.

Myth 1: Electric Cars Do Not Have a Carbon Footprint

Just because electric cars do not use gasoline to run doesn’t mean they do not have a carbon footprint. The electricity generated to charge electric vehicles may create carbon pollution.

Myth 2: Electric Cars Need Separate Charging Outlets

You can charge your electric car with any 120 Volt outlet. To provide more power to the car and reduce the charging time, you can install a level 2 charging system, but most of the people driving electric cars meet their charging demands at home.

If you are worried about running out of charge on the road, know that there are more than 51,000 charging stations in the USA available to the general public.

Myth 3: Electric Cars Are Not as Safe as Gas-Powered Cars

All cars sold in the USA must meet the same Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, and electric cars are no exception. These cars have undergone long testing procedures, and EV batteries are also subjected to their testing standards. This is why electric cars are as safe as they can get, and they also contain additional safety features like shutting down the electrical system whenever there is a chance of a short circuit or collision.

Wrapping Up About Electric Cars

There are many differences between an electric and gas car, and you must go through the major pros and cons that each car offers before deciding which option will suit you best.