In the US, 84.6% of Americans of driving age have a driver’s license. So there’s a very good chance that you have yours too!
Perhaps it’s time for you to buy your first vehicle, or maybe it’s time for an upgrade. Or maybe you just want to learn more about vehicles!
Whatever the reason, you might be wondering about the pros and cons of an electric car vs gas. In that case, you’re in the right place. In this article, we’ll go over each one in detail so you know which one is right for you.
Pros of Gas Cars
Let’s start off with gas cars, as these are most common and you’re probably already familiar with them.
One of the biggest advantages of buying a gas car is the fact that they make up about 99% of the auto market. This means you’ll have plenty of choices when it comes to brands, models, types, colors, engines, and more.
Driving a conventional car also means there’s basically no limit to how far you can drive, so long as you have the money to pay for gas. There are gas stations practically everywhere so you can fuel up whenever and wherever you need to.
Cons of Gas Cars
Probably to no one’s surprise, gas cars do come with quite a few disadvantages.
For one, you have to pay for gas. Its price fluctuates constantly, which means you can fuel up for $30 a tank one week and $50 the next. This can be hard to budget for, especially if you live paycheck to paycheck.
The fact that you’re using fossil fuels also means you’re contributing to environmental damage. So for those of you who are eco-conscious, this might weigh on you.
Also, just because gas stations are found everywhere doesn’t necessarily mean it’s all that convenient for you. You’ll still have to drive at least a few minutes out from your house to find one.
Over time, your car will also deteriorate with wear and tear. Many of the engine’s components are quite pricey to keep up with when it comes to maintenance, repairs, and replacements. Toward the end of your vehicle’s lifespan, you might find yourself constantly shelling out money just to keep it running.
Pros of Electric Cars
Now that we’ve discussed gas cars, how do electric cars stack up against them?
Well, the biggest selling point of electric cars is the fact that they don’t depend on fossil fuels. This means you can drive around without guilt since you’re not using up a finite resource. Not only that, but you won’t have to worry about gas prices that randomly change at a whim, so that’ll make your budget easier to predict.
Also, electric vehicle (EV) owners typically have a charging station either on their property or very close to it. You won’t have to go far to “refuel.”
In comparison to gas vehicles, electric cars have far lower maintenance costs. This is thanks to the elimination of many parts that’d usually need to be maintained, repaired, and/or replaced.
In addition, you can enjoy an EV tax credit, which can cut down costs when purchasing a vehicle.
Cons of Electric Cars
While electric cars do have many pros, they do come with several cons.
For example, the fact that they make up just 1% of the automobile market means your choices are drastically cut down. There are only about 30 different models you can choose from. However, because the demand is there, you can count on many more to come out in the near future.
Plus, their battery ranges typically allow you to carry out day-to-day life with no issues. However, if you plan on taking longer road trips, it can be more of a hassle. It’s doable, but you’ll have to plan your trip out ahead of time to ensure that you get access to public charging stations.
With that in mind, you might also have to ask your property manager to install a charging station if you live in a rented property. Depending on whether or not other tenants have electric vehicles, they might not find the investment worth it. This price guide will tell you more about how much charging stations cost.
Also, if you’re a fan of powerful engines that allow you to be a speed demon, then you might be disappointed with EVs. They might be able to get you places quicker than a gas car would, but their top speeds aren’t very high in comparison.
Another huge drawback is that price tags on electric cars tend to be much higher than with conventional vehicles. For many, this isn’t affordable at all. However, if you’re able to look past that, the price of an electric vehicle will pay for itself in the long run when you don’t have as many other costs to worry about.
Electric Car vs Gas Car: Which Will You Choose?
When it comes to an electric car vs gas car, the former wins out as far as environmentalism goes. However, when you consider other factors, it might not be as clear-cut anymore.
So when it comes to this debate, the one that’s right for you will really depend on what your personal situation and budget are like. But if you have the capabilities to, we’d highly suggest getting an electric car, as you’ll be doing your part in reducing your carbon footprint. Plus, EVs are really cool in their designs and features, so it’s a win-win situation, really!
For more articles like this one on gas and electric cars, please take a look at the rest of our blog page now.