You may narrow down your options to an electric vehicle if you are shopping for a vehicle.
There are key differences between these two car types that can impact how much you spend on fuel and maintenance each month. Although electric cars, also called EVs, are more expensive upfront than gasoline vehicles, they tend to have lower maintenance costs over the life of their vehicle. Electric cars are typically less expensive to fuel than gasoline-only vehicles.
This article will discuss the main differences between electric and gas cars. We will also examine the differences in purchase price and cost per owner between these types of vehicles. Finally, we will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of purchasing an EV.
Differences between electric and gasoline cars
The biggest difference between an electric car & a gasoline vehicle is that electric cars can be powered entirely or partially by electricity from the grid. Gas vehicles are powered by gasoline.
A gasoline tank is used to store the energy needed to drive a vehicle. An internal combustion engine supplies the power to propel the vehicle. Electric vehicles have a different set up. EVs generally use a battery to store energy and an electric motor to drive the vehicle.
These are only the beginning of these differences. According to CALSTART, approximately 70% of an electric vehicle’s components could differ from a comparable gas-powered vehicle. An EV is made up of several parts that are not common to gas-only cars.
Types and uses of electric vehicles
There are many types of electric cars, from high-end automakers like BMW to more affordable brands such as Volkswagen. You can even get a pickup truck equipped with an electrified engine. If you are looking for a new vehicle, there are many options.
- All electric cars also called battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) These vehicles run solely on electricity stored in a battery and produce no tailpipe emissions. The EV can be charged by connecting it to an electric source.
- Hybrid electric cars, also called hybrids or HEVs — These vehicles run on both an internal combustion engine as well as an electric motor. A hybrid can’t be charged by simply plugging it in. The internal combustion engine and a regenerative brake system provide the battery with their charge. The battery can provide hybrids with more power than their gas-only counterparts. This car produces tailpipe emissions because it has a gasoline engine.
- Plug in hybrid electric vehicles (also known as PHEVs or plug-in hybrids) A HEV and a PHEV are similar in that both have an internal combustion engine and an electric motor. A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle can be charged using a wall outlet, or other charging equipment, but it is not a hybrid. A PHEV, unlike hybrids, runs on only electric power until its battery is almost depleted. It then automatically switches to using the gas engine for power.
- Hydrogen fuel cells vehicles, also known by FCEVs or fuel cell electric vehicles — Like other electric cars. FCEVs use electricity as a motor to power their electric motors. Instead of using an EV battery to generate electricity, FCEVs use hydrogen fuel cells to produce electricity. HCEVs are rarer than other types of EVs.
Are electric cars more expensive than gas cars?
EVs are more expensive than comparable conventional vehicles when it comes to purchasing price. A 2021 Toyota Camry with gas engine starts at $24,970, while a 2021 Camry Hybrid starts at $27,270. The Hyundai Kona SUV 2021 starts at $20,500 and the 2021 Kona Electric at $37,390.
You should also consider the cost of an at home charging station. This station doesn’t necessarily have to be purchased. You may be able charge your EV at work, or at a public charging station. However, it might be more convenient to charge at home. At-home charging stations for EVs start at $200
Some EVs may be eligible for a federal tax credit for electric cars and/or incentives from the states and utilities that can offset their purchase price. Depending on the vehicle’s capacity, the tax credit can range from $2,500 to $7,000. Some models have a phased-out credit that is removed once a certain threshold sales has been reached. Not all EVs are eligible. A federal tax credit is not available for Tesla models that were purchased after December 31, 2019. The credit is not available to Chevrolet Bolt EVs purchased after March 31, 2020.
Although EVs can be more expensive upfront than comparable conventional vehicles, they are typically cheaper to run than gas-only models. Let’s take a look at the 2020 Hyundai Kona electric BEV and the 2020 Hyundai kona gas-only.
A calculator by the Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy division of U.S. Department of Energy has calculated that the traditional Kona’s fuel cost per mile is $0.29. The cost per mile for the Kona Electric BEV drops to $0.23. Remember that prices will change depending on current gas and electricity prices.
The benefits of electric cars
We already mentioned the fact that EVs are less expensive to fuel than traditional cars. These are just a few of the many benefits that EV ownership offers.
- Less emissions — Electric Vehicles emit fewer CO2 than traditional vehicles. This is a huge plus for those who care about cleaner air. Plug-in EVs can produce zero emissions when they are powered solely by electric power. All-electric vehicles also emit zero emissions. There are also emissions benefits for hybrid EVs that differ by model.
- Higher energy efficiency — Electric vehicles are more efficient than cars powered by gasoline. According to Fueleconomy.gov, an all-electric vehicle’s battery converts 77% of energy into vehicle motion. This compares to a gas-only vehicle’s conversion rate of 12% to 30%. This means that you get more value for your money when charging an electric vehicle than you would with a regular car.
- Low maintenance costs — Electric vehicles and gas-only cars have different numbers of moving parts. An EV only has one moving part underneath the hood: The motor shaft. A gas-powered vehicle has hundreds of moving parts. EVs require less maintenance than vehicles powered solely by gasoline. This makes them more affordable to maintain and lower ownership cost.
Drawbacks to electric cars
As we have already mentioned, EVs are more expensive than comparable gas cars. There are other disadvantages to EV ownership.
- A vehicle’s driving range is shorter. The distance that a vehicle can travel before it needs to fill up with gas or pay for fuel. According to estimates by the Environmental Protection Agency, EVs have a shorter range that comparable gas vehicles.
- A relatively long charging time While filling up a car with gasoline takes only a few moments, charging an electric vehicle takes longer. DC fast chargers can provide up to 10 miles per charge time. This means that 20 minutes would be required to charge an EV with 200 miles range and a low battery. The charging times for Level 1 and 2 chargers can be slower. Level 2 charging adds approximately 14 to 35 miles per hour, while Level 1 charging adds only 3.5 to 6 miles per hour.
- Less infrastructure — In the United States, there are fewer public charging stations for electric vehicles than gas stations. It can be more difficult to find a charging station than a gas station. This can prove to be an issue if you are on a long trip, or don’t have a home charging station.
Talk to an expert about electric cars and gas cars
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Why might an electric car make a good choice for you?
An electric car is a great fit for someone who can recharge at home, can commute on average distances, and can afford one.
Why would an electric car be the best choice?
An electric car won’t work for someone who is concerned about the cost of ownership. It is important to think about the purchase price and financing costs. You can save money by buying a smaller car or a standard hybrid (like a Honda Accord or Kia Niro hybrid), which has a low purchase price and great fuel economy.
A hybrid is a great alternative to fully electric cars.
“Yes. “Yes. Hybrids can be a great alternative to electric cars because they are more affordable, have better fuel economy and are often 50 miles per gallon.
When is it the best time to purchase an electric vehicle?
The best time to purchase an electric car is when prices begin to fall. As more electric cars become available, this will naturally occur over the next few years. You don’t have to buy an electric car just because you like them. Make sure that you have a way for you to charge it at home.
What’s next?
You can weigh the pros and con’s of EVs and gas cars when you make your next car purchase . You should consider which vehicle is best suited for you. To ensure that you have a realistic idea of the cost to own an electric car vs. a gas car, it is important to do the math.