This article presents in detail everything you need to know about when considering the pros and cons and differences between electric cars vs. gas cars.
Over 100 years, since automobiles emerged as an indispensable part of human culture, several modifications have been made to these automobiles as they keep evolving to fit human culture trends.
From the emergence of the fuel injector to carburetors’ exile, the trend of refining automobiles to constantly elevate its appeal is as old as its existence.
However, the most profound modification that the automobile industry has witnessed in its over 100 years of existence can allude to the electric cars’ revolution.
Though still far from eclipsing the reign of internal combustion engine vehicles, i.e. gas cars, the rise of dominant electric car giants in the automobile industry leaves no doubt that the reality of electric cars becoming the order of the day is probably around the corner.
With government incentives and regulations promoting the adoption of electric cars, which is estimated to hold a solid 22% of the automobiles industry, come 2030, you probably have contemplated making the switch.
In light of that, we take a look at the pros and cons of orthodox gas-powered vehicles and fast riding electric vehicles.
Similarities Between Electric Cars and Gas Cars
The significant similarities between electric cars and gas cars lie in the looks and standard components’ presence.
An electric vehicle looks exactly like a gas vehicle and can often be mistaken for one.
Though electric vehicle components are 70% different from their gas counterparts, both still have common features such as steering, tires, brakes, lights, and all of that.
The infotainment system found in gas-powered cars can also be found in electric vehicles.
Difference Between Electric Cars vs. Gas Cars
The difference between electric cars and gas cars are so much that any conversation about the similarity between these cars would tilt towards their differences.
Notable differences include are as follows.
1. Power and Components
The primary difference between an electric car and a gas card is both vehicle’s power.
Electric vehicles are obviously powered by electricity, while gas vehicles are powered by gas, i.e., fuel.
The very fact that both are powered by electricity and fuel takes a central role in their various components.
An electric vehicle would have a battery, while gas vehicles possess a gasoline tank.
Both store the energy required for the vehicles to be powered.
The charger in an electric vehicle does the same job as a gasoline pump: to supply the energy (electricity and gas) for the electric car and a gas car.
In a gas car, the force required to keep the vehicle in motion is produced by the vehicle’s engine, while the electric motor does the same job in an electric car.
The controller controls acceleration and speed in an electric car, while the carburetor does the same job in a gas vehicle.
2. Emission
Electric cars are eco-friendly compared to their gas counterparts as emission is reduced to zero.
Gas cars have tailpipes through which harmful gases, a consequence of internal combustion in the vehicle’s engine, are released.
3. Noise
The loud irritating noise that prompts infant cries and dog barks, signaling the arrival of your annoying neighbor in his old fashioned gas car, is eliminated in an electric vehicle.
An electric vehicle can slip quietly into the neighborhood without anyone noticing.
4. Range
As a result of the fact that gas cars have a 100 headstart over electric cars, they triumph in range.
An average gas car can travel as far as 300 miles before the fuel tanks have to be refilled, while an average electric car has a range of 181 miles on a full charge.
That may be a turn off for those considering switching to electric cars.
But to allay such fears, newer models of electric cars have been built to cover longer range.
5. Maintenance
Gas-powered vehicles come with many internal mechanical components that require maintenance over time.
The vehicle oil, transmission fluid, coolant, and fuel injector may need to be changed, either routinely or as the vehicle ages.
Electric vehicles, however, do not require much maintenance as their electrical components do not require routine change.
Aside from the universal maintenance made to vehicle tires, brakes, and other parts, an electric vehicle does not require much maintenance.
As a result, the costs of maintaining a gas car are way higher than an electric vehicle.
However, there is an exception.
In rare circumstances, an electric vehicle battery may need to be replaced due to constant recharge.
While the battery warranty covers this expense, it can cost substantial financial resources if a battery is past the warranty period.
But that occurs in rare circumstances.
6. Fuel Cost vs. Electricity Cost
One major factor considered when reviewing the differences between electric cars and gas cars is the fuel cost and electricity cost.
Most gas vehicles are designed to consume the minimum possible gas while traveling at a maximum distance.
That, thus, helps cut costs over time.
Electric cars charging costs can be calculated the way gas costs are calculated.
The charging will be part of your electricity bill.
To effectively calculate this cost, the Department of Energy eGallon tool helps.
Aside from calculating this cost, it compares to the cost of gasoline per mile.
Due to the constant change in gasoline and electricity price, it’s best you make use of the tool to make your evaluation.
Now that the similarities and differences between electric cars and gas cars have been outlined to ensure you make your verdict on which is best.
The Pros and Cons of Electric Cars and Gas Cars
Electric Cars Pros
1. Environmental Friendly
Considering the impact of pollution on the global climate, an alternative to reduce this pollution should be well embraced.
Electric cars are surely a good investment that benefits the environment.
With zero-emission, greenhouse gas pollution would be reduced significantly if a collective switch to electric cars is made.
2. Maintenance Cost
With no internal combustion engine and no need for constant change of components such as coolant and oil, the cost of maintaining an electric car is greatly reduced.
Aside from the usual brake change, tire change, electric cars costs relatively nothing to maintain.
3. Tax Credit
As a way of promoting the adoption of electric cars, tax credits are given to firsthand owners of electric cars.
These credits go as high as $7,500, but the amount depends on the model of the car.
4. Zero Noise
Unlike gas powered cars, electric cars are noiseless.
The noise pollution association with cars is this significantly reduced.
They are so noiseless that legislation was introduced for fake noise to be installed in the cars, so as to reduce pedestrian accidents.
5. Fast Commutation
High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes are open to electric cars no matter the number of passengers in the vehicle.
Considering the huge traffic on city highways around the world, this is a huge advantage.
Electric Cars Cons
1. Recharging Consumes Time
Filling the gas tank of a gas vehicle takes a matter of minutes, but an electric car can take hours before they fully charge.
Some take about four hours, while others can take as much as 20 hours to charge fully.
2. They Cost More
Electric vehicle price costs significantly higher than gas vehicles.
Cheap electric vehicle costs about $30,000, while expensive vehicles could cost as much as $80,000 or more.
3. Few Choices
Unlike gas vehicles, electric vehicles are manufactured by a few manufacturers.
As a result, prospective buyers have their choices narrowed.
4. Charging Stations
Most charging stations are located in cities where there’s a high volume of electric cars.
However, when on a road trip to a suburban or rural part of the country, recharging at charging stations would not be possible.
Gas Cars Pros
1. Range
No matter how far you wish to travel with a gas vehicle, it’s possible.
All you need to do is fill your tank and brig extra gas.
This is a luxury most electric vehicles do not have.
2. Refilling
A driver can turn up in a gas station and fill his tank in a matter of minutes.
On the other hand, electric vehicles would have to wait for almost a day to be charged fully.
This is one major advantage of gas vehicles over electric vehicles.
3. Replaceable Parts
Gas vehicles are so common that any parts which need replacement can easily be sourced, even for old model cars.
On the other hand, electric vehicles cannot boast of this, as parts are very rare.
4. Price
For as low as a couple of thousands of dollars, a gas car can be bought.
Only luxurious gas cars such as sports cars cost as much as $30,000.
The cheapest electric car costs far more than the cheapest gas car.
Gas Cars Cons
1. Safety
Gas cars store gas in a pressurized tank, which can explode in certain cases, such as overheating.
2. Cost of maintenance
As a gas car are used over time, maintenance costs can be high.
Routine change of coolant, oil, and faulty parts and detailing can present huge financial costs compared to electric cars.
3. Pollution
Gas cars contribute significantly to greenhouse gas pollution, which our planet is currently battling.
The combustion in the vehicle’s internal engine releases CO2 to the environment, causing environmental pollution.
4. Noise
The noise produced by gas-powered vehicles can be very annoying, especially if you live close to a highway.
Even though improvements have been made to reduce such noise to silent hums, several gas vehicles still produce noise.
Final Words
Electric Cars vs. Gas Cars Essay: Which is better?
As outlined above, the electric vehicle and gas vehicle boasts of few similarities, but vast differences and cases were made for both cars’ benefits and disadvantages.
It’ll be safe to say electric car advantages hold more water, so to speak, than gas cars but electric cars dominating gas cars is not a reality that we would see anytime soon.
Though certain countries may make advancements in adopting electric cars, the absence of charging stations in various locations presents a challenge to that rise.
Global adoption is also dealt with a major blow due to the absence of electricity in certain locations and even epileptic electricity in several countries’ urban areas.
The summary of this electric cars vs. gas cars essay is; electric vehicles present more benefits than gas vehicles, but gas cars continue to rule until the world adapts and makes necessary changes.
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