What was once a vague concept is now a concrete reality: the popularity of electric cars. Many see electric vehicles as a replacement for their gas-guzzling counterparts. As a result, they have grown in demand among mainstream auto enthusiasts and eco-conscious motorists. While the transition from the traditional Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) to the more sustainable electric alternative slowly takes place, the question on everyone's mind is: Is an EV more affordable?
Besides being environmentally friendly, EVs must also be economically practical. After all, how useful can EVs be for sustainability if no one can afford to buy them? In this post, we're delving into electric cars vs. gas cars. How do they stack up, and is the EV a cost-effective alternative? Keep reading to find out.
Electric vs. Gas Cars: A Comparison
Electric cars are becoming more popular by the year, sparking debates on electric cars vs. gas cars. In fact, many models have a waiting list due to limited availability combined with increasing demand. Compare this with their gas-guzzling opposites, the technology of which may become dated within the next 10 to 20 years. With this in mind, you may ask yourself: Does it even make sense to purchase another gas car? Or are you better off going electric?
Consider the Initial Costs
How does it sound to save thousands of dollars on a new car? This arrangement can be your reality when you choose an EV. The U.S. government is encouraging people to opt for more eco-friendly modes of transportation, so they could be eligible for government rebates and incentives. Depending on where you live and the model you're purchasing, you could save as much as $7500 in federal tax rebates.
While gas cars are significantly more affordable, these government rebates and incentives do add to the appeal of electric cars. As a result, electric cars are a little more competitive with their upfront costs compared to gas cars. However, as a baseline, you can expect to pay notably more money for an EV over a gas vehicle.
Electric vs. Gas Cars: Costs Explained
When it comes to comparing electric cars vs. gas cars, the main consideration for most people is price. You want to know you're getting real value for your hard-earned money. Despite the higher price tag, does the EV deliver? Or should you choose a gas-powered vehicle? Let's review the sticker price (or MSRP-Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price) of both electric cars and gas cars to see what each has to offer for their respective costs.
Electric vs. Gas Car Sticker Prices
Electric vehicle prices will vary depending on model, brand and vehicle configuration you choose. However, there are a few models we can use for comparison purposes.
Gas Examples
- 2024 Volkswagen Arteon: Sleek, stylish, and sophisticated, the 2024 Volkswagen Arteon is more than a sedan-it's a four-door powerhouse on wheels. While it's expected to be discontinued after the 2024 model year, it's a prime example of a gas-powered vehicle with a fair MSRP. Its MSRP is between $47,875 and $50,925.
- 2024 Volkswagen Atlas: The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas is a cozy three-seater SUV designed for the everyday family. It's plush and comfortable and delivers reasonable performance that can keep up with the demands of a budding family. This gas-powered crossover has an MSRP between $36,985 and $52,890.
- 2024 Volkswagen Golf R: While most cars do an excellent job of getting you to your destination, few can do it in the style and comfort required to relish the experience along the way. The 2024 Volkswagen Golf R boasts exceptional ride quality and offers a robust performance that takes driving to a new level of enjoyment. This gas-powered vehicle has an MSRP of between $45,665 and $46,465.
Gas-powered vehicles tend to be more competitive than their electric vehicle counterparts. Although EV prices have fallen in recent years, they remain relatively high due to demand and lack of supply. Let's look at some MSRPs of electric vehicles.
Electric Examples
- 2024 Volkswagen ID.4: The all-electric 2024 Volkswagen ID.4 offers a friendly driving experience. However, that cozy ride quality also has some robust capabilities, as it can leap from 0 to 60 mph in less than 5 seconds with its dual-motor AWD model. The ID.4 has an MSRP between $39,735 and $57,055.
- 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz: The ID. Buzz boasts more than a unique exterior; it also delivers a customizable interior with adjustable armrests and fold-out tables that come out of the backrests for passengers sitting in the back. Its MSRP is between $50,000 and $58,000.
- 2025 Volkswagen ID.7: With an aerodynamic exterior and extensive driving range (around 300 miles per charge), the Volkswagen ID.7 is as elegant as it is practical. Moreover, its all-electric composition places it at the forefront of the EV movement, making it a pioneering vehicle for Volkswagen. Its MSRP is between $55,000 and $62,000.
Electric vs. Gas Costs for Maintaining
One of the biggest expenses for vehicles is maintenance. If you don't have vehicle maintenance as a line item in your budget, a blown transmission can easily spell an emergency. But do electric vehicles have that same problem? Because of their mechanical simplicity, EVs will save you money on:
- Belts
- Spark plug
- Fluid changes
- Other upkeep items
Now, that doesn't mean you won't have any maintenance related fees with an electric vehicle. You will still need to pay for brakes, tires, and other cosmetic treatment expenses. However, when compared with gas cars, EVs come out on top regarding maintenance costs in the debate of electric cars vs. gas cars. As a result, you'll save more choosing an EV over the total lifespan of the vehicle.
Environmental Consequence
Governments worldwide are pushing EVs due to their environmental sustainability. EVs help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, making them a promising answer to the world's climate crisis. The net carbon emissions of an EV vs. a gas vehicle are drastically lower. As a result, EVs are a much better option for minimizing our carbon footprint.
Other benefits of an electric car include:
- Safer processes for manufacturing
- Reduction in ecological risks
- Slowing down the climate crisis
- Minimizing harmful wastes and fluids
Due to their eco-friendly design, battery electric cars may be a larger contributor in the fight against climate change. For this reason, they stand as an appealing solution that can-over time-help quell the concerns of governments, climate activists, and ill-at-ease folks troubled by global warming.
Electric vs. Gas Cars: How Convenient?
Electric and gas cars each have pros and cons regarding affordability and eco-friendliness. But how do they fare when it comes to convenience? These are the practical, everyday comforts that can make or break a vehicle-buying decision. As such, it's essential to understand what conveniences each vehicle offers so you can make the best choice for your needs and preferences.
Charging Compared with Filling Up
So, what are the pros and cons of electric cars vs. gas cars? Let's start with fueling vs. charging up. With gas prices continuing to skyrocket, a major pro of the electric car is you don't have to worry about forking cash for gas. Imagine never having to spend money on gas again. That advantage is one of the main draws of electric cars.
While many variables will affect the results in this category (the model you choose, the price of electricity vs. the price of gas in your area, etc.), the general consensus is that the average motorist will save more money by opting for the EV over the gas car.
Availability of Cars
As mentioned earlier, depending on the model and brand you're interested in, electric cars often have limited availability, which is a key consideration when comparing electric cars vs. gas cars. This limited availability is due to increasing demand for EVs. Compare that to gas-powered cars, which you can drive off the lot the same day you step into a dealership, and you'll see traditional cars are better regarding availability.
Towing Strength
EVs are incredibly powerful vehicles. They have a potent performance coupled with a huge amount of torque. Moreover, the delivery of the power and torque provides a seamless experience when it comes to towing. EVs also have excellent traction control. Some EV models even have IWD (Individual Wheel Drive). This system optimizes each wheel on the EV.
As a result, it can outperform the Conventional Wheel Drive (CWD). This setup gives the EV a powerful advantage regarding vehicle dynamics. And that's particularly useful when it comes to off-road applications.
Find Your EV or Gas VW at Central Volkswagen
Both electric vs. gas cars have their pros and cons. For this reason, choosing one over the other is really a matter of preference and budget. You have to decide what's most important to you. For example, if you're looking to save money, go for the gas vehicle. However, if eco-friendliness is more important to you and money is no object, then opt for the EV alternative.
If you need assistance in the vehicle-buying process, we at Central Volkswagen are here to help. Our team of specialists can answer your questions and help you find the perfect vehicle. So, if you're ready, contact us today to learn more.