10 Reasons Why Gas Cars Are Better Than Electric

Automobile companies are continuously improvising their engines to meet modern requirements. They made them more efficient, fast, durable, and fuel-efficient to reduce pollution. However, with EVs hitting the market people are getting confused between traditional and electric vehicles. So, to sort things out, let us discover the reasons why gas cars are better than electric.

Interesting Fact: In the last decade, cars have become around 20% more efficient. This means tailpipe emissions are also falling to a good extent but the same is rising from producing the gasoline.

10 Reasons Why Gas Cars Are Better Than Electric

Gas cars also known as internal combustion engines (ICEs) are gasoline-powered vehicles whereas an electric car (EV) is powered by electric energy supplied from batteries.

With more rules and laws being implemented, many economies are shifting towards green vehicles. However, there are several companies focusing on and manufacturing more efficient gas-powered cars because they believe in their innovation and technology to make their vehicles better and less polluting.

1. Range

Whereas in gas cars you can easily find a gas station after a few miles and refill the tank within minutes. This is the most common reason why people prefer gas cars over EVs. It is range anxiety that what if you cannot find a charging station and your car does not have enough charge to reach the next station.

According to IEA’s report from 2021, an average EV on a single charge could travel 217 miles (349 km) on a single charge. Similarly, a medium gas car range on a full tank in the U.S. was around 413 miles (664 km). That is nearly double than an electric vehicle.

2. Affordable

Another factor is that gas-powered cars are not as expensive as electric vehicles. Yes, we are all aware of the fact that irrespective of their size, color, type, brand, and technology used, an electric car is expensive. An average person thus prefers a gas-powered car over an electric vehicle because even the most affordable brands cost around $40,000 or more.

Cross-Reference: Electric and gasoline vehicle total cost of ownership across US cities

3. Easy to Refuel

Gasoline is readily available, and you can find charging stations after regular distances on the road or highways. So when you need to refill, you can find a gas station more easily than an electric car charging station. Yes, it is not impossible to locate a charging station but at the same time, some areas may not have them.

4. Power

Gas-powered cars have a better pickup than electric cars. Gas cars are more powerful and are becoming more and more fuel efficient. Displacement on demand is a system in gas-powered cars through which some of its cylinders are shut off to save gas in certain conditions. However, with this feature, the driver gets a combination of efficiency and horsepower.

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5. Charging Time

It takes only a couple of minutes to refuel your gas car. On the other hand, recharging an EV is a time-consuming process.

First, you need to find the type of charging station ideal for the EV that is closer to your location and then wait in queue for your vehicle to be plugged into the charging station. Then you have to wait for next couple of hours for it to fully recharge.

Also, charging station and connecter type are another factors that affect your EVs charging time. So in short, lots of things are to be considered when charging it unlike gas cars where only a single hose works for all.

Cross-Reference: Charger Types and Speeds

6. Refueling Costs

Gas prices may differ based on time and location. The lates national average cost of regular gas per gallon is approximately between $3 and $4.50 in 2024. If a standard gasoline car’s capacity is 14 gallons, you will have to pay around $42 to $60 to fill it. Moreover, fuel-efficient vehicles travel more per gallon, which means you need to refill less often.

Cross-References: State Gas Price Averages

Whereas, electricity for charging EVs comes from different sources and companies. There prices vary on the basis of time, slot, and location (home or charging station) where you are charging the vehicle. Yes, some energy companies charge more than during peak hours. Also, fast charging stations charge more than slow ones.

7. Speed

A gas car offers better power and speed than its electric substitute. Even though it may not provide full torque like an EV, its speed rises continuously after acceleration. Yes, the acceleration of electric vehicles is much faster than gas cars, but it cannot reach higher speeds once in full flow.

Most electric cars run on a single-speed gear due to this manufacturers compromise between top speed and acceleration. Moreover, EVs are heavier than gasoline cars, which further affects their speed.

8. Life of Components

Another of the reasons why gas cars are better than electric is the life of the engine. Earlier it was somewhere around 8 years or 150,000 miles. However, with improved technology and innovative inventions paired with better service standards recently, the life expectancy of car engines has increased. Now it is around 10 years or 200,000 miles.

On the other hand, advanced batteries used in the EVs have a limited number of charging cycles. Eventually many manufacturers offer 8 years or 100,000-mile warranties for EV batteries.

Also See: Electric-Vehicle Owners Beware: Understanding the New Threat

9. Limited Customization

You cannot choose and customize from a wide range of aesthetics for your electric vehicle, unlike a gas car. Also, you have freedom of choice in a range of fuel options like gas, petrol, or dual/ hybrid powered. Even though the electric car market is expanding fast, there are still limited choices for aesthetics.

10. Seating

Ranging from a 1-seater to a 7-seater and sometimes more, a gas car offers you the possibility to choose the car with the required seating. Moreover, the price difference is also not that heavy on your pocket. Whereas an electric car mostly are 2-seater. Yes, there are 7-seater EVs but they are considered a luxury item.

Also See: All European Cars are to be Electrically Powered by 2026 as Nissan Decides to Level Up its Game

Benefits of Gas Cars

Even though the topic is debatable whether you should prefer a gas car or an EV both have their own benefits and drawbacks. To increase efficiency and sales, companies are manufacturing hybrid cars. They are powered by both fossil fuels and gasoline.

1. Environmental Benefits: A natural gas car has a positive impact on the environment as it does not pollute the air and is manufactured as per the standards laid down by the U.S. Energy security and public health. With better innovations, companies are able to manufacture fuel-efficient cars that pollute less than previous gas cars.

2. High Performance: Cars fueled with premium gas have high performance rates. The more the octane rating of the gas, the more powerful it is. With a low pickup, a gas car is capable of catching up and holding speed for longer periods. Also, the balance of the car is maintained during gear shifts. This is yet another reason why gas cars are good or what are the benefits of gas cars.

3. Peaceful Rides: A gas car gives you the freedom to schedule your vacation as you wish because your time will not be waiting for hours to charge your car. With a traditional car, you just stop at a filling station, refill the car, and you are ready to go.

4. More Spacious: Since gas cars have various seating options, you can plan an outing with your group of friends or with your family. Also, a spacious car will have enough room for your luggage too, which is rarely found in an electric vehicle.

So, today we understood the reasons why gas cars are better than electric ones. But at the same time, reduced emissions from gas cars are generally not lesser than an EV. By the way, in the end the choice is yours. Do share this informational piece with any potential car buyer you know, to help them decide better.

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