With the invention of the first gas engine by Mercedes-Benz on 29 January 1886, the company launched the first three-wheeled Benz Patent Motor Car model. Ever since then, motor companies continuously improvised their engines to meet modern requirements. Making them more efficient, fast, durable, fuel-efficient to reduce pollution, and much more. However, with EVs hitting the market people are getting confused between traditional and EV cars. So, to sort things out this article will highlight 10 reasons why gas cars are better than electric. Also, what are the benefits of gas cars?
What is a Gas Car and an Electric Car?
Gas cars also known as ICEs (internal combustion engines) are gasoline-powered vehicles whereas an electric car or EV is powered by electric energy. In a gas car, gasoline is used to run the engine and the car contains a gas tank and exhaust. These may be affordable to purchase, but their maintenance is costly. On the other hand, an electric car has a battery and charger system to power the engine.
A. Components of a gas car
1) Transmission: It transfers mechanical power from the engine and electric traction motor that enables you to drive the wheels.
2) Internal combustion engine (spark ignited): In a gas-powered car, fuel is transferred either into the intake manifold or the combustion chamber. In either of the places, fuel is mixed with air and this air-fuel mixture is ignited by the spark from the spark plug.
3) Gasoline Fuel tank and Fuel pump: The fuel you fill is stored in this tank until required by the engine. It transfers fuel from the car fuel tank to the fuel injection system through a fuel line.
4) Fuel line and injection system: A fuel line is a metal tube or a flexible hose responsible for transferring fuel from the fuel tank to the fuel injection system of the engine. This system moves fuel into the combustion chambers of the engine for ignition.
5) Fuel filer: A filler is a nozzle from a fuel dispenser that is attached to the receptacle on a vehicle for refilling the tank.
6) Exhaust system: Exhaust gases are channelized from the engine towards the tailpipe with an exhaust system. With 3-way catalyst engine emissions are reduced within the exhaust system.
7) Electronic control module (ECM): It protects the engine from wear and tear and monitors vehicle operations. It also detects and troubleshoots problems along with controlling ignition timing, emission system, and fuel mixture.
8) Battery: A gas-powered car too has a battery that provides electricity required for starting the engine and powering other accessories or electronics in the car.
10 Reasons Why Gas Cars Are Better Than Electric?
With companies focusing more on electric vehicles, many people are switching to electric vehicles. However, still there are several companies focusing on and manufacturing gas-powered cars because they believe in their innovation and technology to make their vehicles better and less palliative. Well, here are 10 reasons why a gas car is better than an EV.
1. Range
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. Whereas in gas cars you can easily find a gas station after a few miles and refill the tank within minutes. Suppose your car has a 20-gallon gas tank, that means it has an average fuel economy of about 20 miles per gallon. Thus, your car can travel 400 miles before you need to refuel the car. As per the data provided by the International Energy Agency (IEA), an electric car has an average range of about 217 miles whereas a gas car has an average mile range of 520 miles.
Also Read: How Do Solar Powered Cars Work?
2. Affordable
Another factor is the cost of gas-powered cars because they 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.
3. Easily Available
Gasoline is readily available, and you can find charging stations after regular distances on the road. Internal combustion engines are easy to maintain and use. Also, it is easier to fuel them. Engines in gas cars have become more efficient and powerful with more mileage. Even if you need to refill, you can find a gas station on a highway, more easily than an electric car charging station. Yes, it is not impossible to find a charging station but at the same time, some areas may lack them.
4. Charging Time
Here comes one of the 10 reasons why gas cars are better than electric. As you know, refueling a gas car is a quick and easy process. On the other hand, recharging your EV is a time-consuming process. First, you need to find a charging station that is closer to your location and then wait in queue for your vehicle to be plugged into the charging station. However, this is not just because charging the vehicle completely, takes hours. Whereas, refilling a gas car is quick with the only time required to wait for your turn.
Also See: All European Cars are to be Electrically Powered by 2026 as Nissan Decides to Level Up its Game
5. Power
In terms of raw power, gas cars are continuously improving and becoming more powerful. Along with this, these cars 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.
6. Refueling Costs
Gas prices differ from place to place and there is often an increase over time. Last year, the national average for a gallon of regular gas was around $4.19. If a standard gasoline car has a capacity of 14 gallons (on average) the cost to fill up the tank will be under $60. Also, a fuel-efficient car travels more miles per gallon, and you need to refill them less frequently.
Whereas on the other hand, an EV is charged with electricity and its rates depend on whether you charge the car at a station or at home. Some energy companies charge more if they use electricity during peak hours.
Also Read: Here is how life looks like for Non-Tesla EV drivers at Tesla Superchargers
7. Speed
Even though the acceleration of electric vehicles is much faster than gas cars, an EV cannot reach higher speeds once in full flow. Yes, a gas car may not provide full torque like EV but once accelerated it continues to increase its speed. Most electric cars run on a single-speed gear due to this manufacturers compromise between top speed and acceleration.
8. Life of Components
Another reason of the 10 reasons why gas cars are better than electric is the life of the engine. Yes, over the years the average lifespan of a car engine was somewhere around 8 years or 150,000 miles. However, with improved technology and innovative inventions along with improved service standards recently, the life expectancy of car engines has increased. Now it is around 10 years or 200,000 miles. Also, the maintenance costs are much less than electric vehicles. Due to heavy bodies and instantaneous torque, tires wear out sooner than expected and required tire replacements. Also, there is a requirement for eventual battery change as most EV batteries do not last more than 10 years.
9. Choice
Even though the electric car market is expanding fast, there are still limited choices for aesthetics. You cannot choose and customize from a wide range of aesthetics for your electric vehicle, unlike a gas car. With traditional cars, you get a wide range of options for aesthetics and system. Yes, a traditional or gas car can be gas, fuel, or dual (hybrid) powered, which gives you freedom of choice as per your preferences.
10. Seating
Ranging from a 1-seater to a 5-seater and sometimes more, a gas car offers you the possibility to choose the car with the required seating. Whereas an electric car hardly offers more than 2 seats, efforts are being made in this context. But for now, if you have a family of 4, a gas car is obviously a better idea. After this, let’s learn about the benefits of gas cars and why gas cars are good.
Why Gas Cars Are Good? What Are the 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.
Also, for gas-powered cars, we also refer to natural gas cars that are on the rise in the market. Here are the benefits of a gas car.
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 this, about 5% to 10% of emission is allowed. With better innovations, companies are able to manufacture fuel-efficient cars that pollute less than previous gas cars.
Also See: How Much Do Solar Panels Help the Environment?
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
No, it is not the case that you would not have a peaceful ride on an EV. But with a gas car, you have the freedom to schedule your holiday 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.
Also Read: All About Fuel Cell Advantages
4. More Capacity
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 you learned about 10 reasons why gas cars are better than electric. Well, what is your opinion now of the same, we would love to hear. Why are gas cars good? What are the benefits of gas cars? As for the answer to these questions, we can consider the reasons why a gas car is good. But at the same time, with reduced emission, which is obviously not as less than as an EV, you can still opt for a gas car. With a gas car, you get the peace of mind to go on a long road trip without worrying about locating where the next charging station is. By the way, which one do you prefer, a gas car or an electric one?
Recommended: Can I Install a Tesla Powerwall Myself?
