Can electric cars ever be as affordable as gas-powered cars?

Buying a car is an investment since the purchase comes with a more significant upfront cost. In your search for different cars, you may encounter a petrol or diesel-powered car and an electric vehicle (EV). If you are an environmentally sensitive buyer, you may lean towards EVs.

Gas-powered cars are still ruling the roads, but EV infrastructures are improving. Operationally, electric vehicles are much more environment-friendly since they don't emit gases like gas guzzlers. However, manufacturing electric cars puts a greater burden on the environment. So, which one is a better choice? Read on to compare gas cars and electric cars based on their environmental burden, cost, and other aspects.

Electric cars Vs. Gas cars: Environment

Gas cars and EVs have pros and cons. Gas cars emit pollutants like carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen oxides, etc. These emissions lead to air pollution and climatic change. They use fossil fuels as a source of energy, which is not renewable. So, they are not very energy efficient like EVs.

However, manufacturing for EVs, especially their batteries, is at a very high environmental cost. It is energy-intensive and resource-intensive. For example, lithium and cobalt need to be mined.

EVs have zero tailpipe emissions and could greatly reduce air pollution in urban areas. However, all this will depend entirely on the source of electricity for charging. With renewable energy, EVs are much cleaner.

Finally, both have their environmental impact. As EV infrastructure grows and renewable energy uses are used, it can benefit the environment. 

Understanding gas Vs Electric car cost 

Electric cars are generally more expensive to purchase than gas-powered cars. In India, the average price of an electric vehicle (EV) ranges between ₹12 lakh and ₹25 lakh. Gas cars usually cost between ₹6 lakh and ₹15 lakh. EVs are relatively more expensive because of battery technology and limited production. Gas cars are more affordable initially but come with higher long-term expenses.

Many factors weigh into the cost of electric cars. Battery costs alone account for about 40-50% of the total vehicle cost. However, this gradually decreases with new technologies. Newer technologies, such as solid-state batteries, can further bring down costs.

Several factors influence the cost of electric cars. 

Government incentives also help lower EV costs, making them more accessible. Additionally, large-scale production can lower manufacturing costs over time, making EVs more competitive.

The cost differences are clearer when comparing affordable electric cars to cheap gas cars. EVs have a higher upfront price but offer lower running costs since electricity is more inexpensive than fuel. They also require less maintenance due to fewer moving parts, whereas gas cars demand regular servicing and engine upkeep. Resale values vary, but gas cars generally hold their value more consistently. While gas cars remain the more affordable choice, electric vehicles provide long-term savings through lower fuel and maintenance costs.

Gas Vs Electric car cost calculator

Let's understand the real-life impact of these costs with an example. For a daily commute of 50 km, the price varies as follows (based on general assumptions):

From this example, electric cars offer significant savings in energy costs compared to gas cars. While fuel costs for gas cars are higher, EVs benefit from lower energy rates. The total cost of ownership should also factor in maintenance, insurance, and depreciation.

Most affordable electric car options

Some of the cheap electric cars[1]  in India are:

You can explore these options to switch from traditional cars to EVs. 

10 reasons why gas cars are better than electric:

Gas-powered vehicles offer several advantages over electric vehicles, making them preferred by many car owners. The following are ten reasons why gas cars are regarded as better than electric cars:

1. Gas cars refuel within minutes, but EVs take much longer to charge. With the expansion of fast-charging networks, though, wait times are decreasing.

1. Many gas cars have 300–400 miles per tank, reducing range anxiety. Some EVs offer over 400 miles, but the range varies by model.

1. Gas stations are easily accessible, while EV charging networks are growing but still limited in some areas.

1. Gas vehicles generally cost less upfront, though EV prices are gradually decreasing with advances in battery technology.

1. Gas cars come in much greater numbers, but electric choices increase as car manufacturers expand their line offerings.

1. Gas cars have decades of proven reliability. EV technology is younger but has proven to last.

1. Gas cars offer many service centres to handle repairs; EVs provide a lower part count, decreasing maintenance over time.

1. Gas cars have no dependence on electricity, whereas EVs depend on the charging infrastructure that could be subjected to power outages.

1. While some gas cars retain their value perfectly, EVs are improving their resale value with the increase in demand and longevity of batteries.

1. Gas cars perform much better in cold temperatures, but EVs have a reduced range. However, newer EVs have battery heating systems to solve this problem.

Although electric cars are becoming very popular, the above factors illustrate why gas-powered vehicles are practical and preferred by many drivers.

Gas cars Vs Electric cars: A comparison 

Different factors affect the ownership costs involved with both gas and electric cars. They are:

Conclusion 

While EVs are more expensive upfront than gasoline cars, they save money over the long run due to reduced fuel and maintenance. Technological and government incentives mitigate these differences. Another important advantage of EVs is that they emit no tailpipe emissions. But gas cars are easy to access and faster to refuel. Ultimately, it would depend on each person's preference. Consider your budget, environmental impact, and how much the expenses would pile up in the long run. As the EV market expands, electric cars may become more affordable. 

ARN: Zuno/Marketing/Blog/Can Electric cars ever be as affordable as Gas powered cars/03/25/01