Electric Cars Vs. Gas Cars: Is An EV More Affordable?

Certainly, a hotly debated topic in recent years is that of the affordability of electric cars vs. gas cars.

Of course, some will put their hands up for the unmistakable rumble of a gas V8 over the faint whine of an electric motor. Environmentally aware consumers will almost certainly vote for an electric vehicle (EV). 

There is no right or wrong answer, so we consider some pertinent questions to shed some light on this debate.

Electric Vs. Gas Cars: What's Different?

Besides the patently obvious difference in the energy source that powers these differing vehicles, there are other differences between electric cars vs. gas cars that should be noted.

Since the dawn of the automobile, gas cars have relied on fossil fuels to power their internal combustion engines (ICE). The byproducts of the engine's combustion process are mostly gasses, including carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide, which, as everyone now knows, are the cause of air pollution, climate change and mankind's ultimate downfall.

EVs, however, offer cleaner credentials in that they don't leave behind these dangerous gasses and are powered by an electric motor fed by onboard rechargeable batteries.

Factor In The Initial Costs

Let's compare electric cars vs. gas cars at initial costs. A 100-plus year of mass production of gas engines has led to greater economies of scale, and the majority of automakers have, over the years, been able to refine their ICE designs and recoup development costs, allowing for more and more affordable models.

EV models, however, have not enjoyed the same degree of development and manufacturing volumes to reduce production costs. The biggest stumbling blocks for EVs are battery life and battery costs.

These higher production costs are reflected in the sticker prices of electric vehicles.

Comparing The Cost Of Electric Vs. Gas Cars

Comparing the cost of electric vs. gas cars means that all aspects of ownership must be considered. There is no simple formula to do the math and end up with a clear winner. 

Electric Vs. Gas Car Sticker Prices

Generally speaking, EV trims of the comparable gasoline-powered model have a significantly higher sticker price. Reasons for this are, as mentioned, the high cost of the high-tech battery packs. 

Larger and more luxurious EVs are typically equipped with higher capacity or multiple battery packs needed to power the onboard equipment plus be able to offer an extended driving range which all translates into higher sales floor sticker prices.

Buyers considering going the EV route will do well to research thoroughly the trims and features available on model lineups before making any decisions. 

Electric Vs. Gas Car Maintenance Costs

When comparing electric cars vs. gas cars, it's clear that EVs benefit from requiring less maintenance than their gasoline-powered counterparts. 

EVs utilize way fewer moving parts, whereas gas vehicles have spark plugs, pistons, valves, camshafts, and many more parts that wear out or simply break, and that's just the engine we are talking about.

Parts and servicing cost money, as we are all so painfully aware of, so the EV starts making better financial sense in the long run. 

Environmental Consequence

Comparing electric cars vs. gas cars, the automotive industry has had to carefully measure affordability against environmental issues. The combustion engine has come a long way in terms of emissions controls and modern engines are far from their early ancestors. A fact that cannot be changed is that fossil fuel reserves are finite.

Once mankind has depleted all the fossil fuels that can be extracted from under the earth's surface, it's gone forever. This fact plus the threat of increasing Global Warming has forced mankind to consider the use of alternative and renewable energy sources to preserve our home planet. 

Enter the EV and its greener credentials. Unfortunately, EVs are not completely environmentally friendly, as life is not always simple. 

Most battery-powered devices, from your smartphone and cordless vacuum to the topic of discussion, the EV, all rely on lithium-ion battery technology. 

Lithium-ion batteries can store a considerable amount of energy without taking up valuable space and, of course, in the case of EVs, power-sapping weight. The lithium ion battery has been the go to battery for a few decades now as they are able to charge quickly and have a longer working life than other battery technologies.

The rub-off, however, is the environmental cost of using Lithium-ion batteries.

There are two primary environmental costs relating to an electric car. Firstly, the manufacturing of batteries and the toxic emissions released in the processing of mined lithium, plus the environmental impact of the huge amounts of water required to extract the mineral.

Secondly, the impact of producing the energy needed to recharge these batteries with coal-burning power plants is still widespread. 

We must not forget the environmental impact of recycling these old batteries when they come to the end of their lifespan.

There is no clear winner in terms of environmental impact.

But, not all is gloom and doom as mankind's incessant need to make life better means that there will always be those automakers researching and developing alternate battery technologies to lithium-ion batteries.

Electric Vs. Gas Cars Driver Experience

The modern vehicle's role is not just about getting from point A to point B. For most buyers with the financial means to shop around, their vehicle of choice is typically an extension of their personality. This distinction is particularly evident when comparing electric cars vs. gas cars.

Outdoors and adventure enthusiasts will not purchase a city runaround as their go to car just as much as a city slicker will not be buying an off road oriented large 4x4 truck . 

Electric vehicles will offer a hushed and unrushed driving experience with the electric powertrain making only a light hum. An experience said to offer drivers a profound sense of tranquility and well-being. 

EVs don't use gears as in traditional gearboxes and offer a driving experience akin to an automatic with no need for constant gear changes. For those whose daily commute involves hours in stop-start traffic, the EV is a godsend.

Those who favor gas vehicles will argue that this subdued driving experience lacks the fun to drive, intensity and visceral connection that motoring enthusiasts experience when driving a sporty car fitted with a powerful engine that emits all the right sounds. 

Countering this argument is that there's no mistaking that electric cars are not quick, with many electric sports cars showing up, even the most powerful supercars, in a head-to-head drag race situation. Thanks to the high instant torque that an electric motor makes, most EVs offer some pretty impressive acceleration.

If you have to choose between an electric car vs. gas car, it all boils down to personal needs and personalities. 

Drivers looking to do their bit for the environment and with a preference for a peaceful and unrushed drive will relish the EV driving experience. True motoring enthusiasts on the other hand will not give up their beloved gas motors and the whole sounds and smells of burning fossil fuels to power their motoring enjoyment.

Fueling Up

Range anxiety is a buzzword associated with electric vehicles, but it is still perceived to be one of the greatest barriers to EVs becoming more widely accepted, particularly for fleet operators. This is a significant factor to consider when comparing electric cars vs. gas cars.

Current battery technology simply cannot provide batteries with sufficient capacity without the bulkiness and associated weight that can offer an extended driving range for personal vehicles.

EVs need charging stations, which is fine if your daily commute brings you home where you can plug in at night and drive off fully charged every morning. Problems arise when planning a long holiday trip. The biggest concerns are, where are public charging points along the route? And what if I'm stranded without battery power? 

Owners of gasoline-powered cars have it good with a gas station at nearly every urban corner and guaranteed gas stations along every interstate and country road.

Stock Availability

The U.S. electric vehicle market is growing, with EVs currently making up around 7.5 percent of all light passenger vehicle sales. However, demand is not enough to prevent unsold EVs from stacking up at some automakers' dealerships around the U.S.

This situation can be attributed to the reluctance of American buyers to switch to EVs, with the most obvious reason for consumer disenchantment being the hassle of charging an EV. 

It seems that not many Americans have warmed up to the idea of having to find a charging station plus still wait around for their battery to top up.

Towing Capacity

How do electric cars vs. gas cars compare at towing power? EVs, if suitably constructed, are able to tow medium-sized trailers or caravans. However, not all electric cars are approved for towing.

There is the very real prospect of damage that the additional weight of a trailer or caravan puts on an electric motor if not engineered for towing purposes.

EVs constructed with a high towing capability in mind, such as the 2024 Chevy Silverado EV truck, can tow up to an incredible 10,000 pounds. However, the electric motor then works harder, drawing more current and effectively reducing the driving range.

Get Your EV Or Gas Hyundai At Colonial Hyundai

Chat with our experienced team to learn more about Hyundai's range of exciting EV models at the Colonial Hyundai Dealership located in New London, CT.

With a wide selection of both gasoline and EV models to view, test drive the different models and allow our team to get you behind the wheel of the perfect Hyundai vehicle for you.