Introduction
Many drivers are having difficulty loading up as petroleum prices rise to new highs, but electric vehicle owners appear pleased with their purchases. One of the most significant problems to grasp and consider in today’s world is the debate between gas and electric automobiles (Asadi et al., 2021). There are several environmental and air quality reasons to purchase an electric vehicle, but a gas vehicle offers advantages. Both sides are outspoken in their support for their preferred automobiles and have opposing viewpoints. For me, this topic is important because of the worsening climate situation, given the attempts that can be made by humans to reduce harm to the environment.
Gas vs. Electric Automobiles
My research is to learn more about the true differences between gas and electric automobiles in general and educate or persuade a skeptical audience that electric vehicles are safe, clean, and dependable. This form of vehicle is still in its infancy as compared to other energy sources, and it undoubtedly has several drawbacks. Many people are mostly unaware of the true distinctions between the two types of cars due to their complexity and lack of a straightforward explanation. Electric cars are frequently associated with high pricing and poor charging station logistics. However, they are crucial in securing ecological security.
Since this topic is multilayered and involves many issues, it is crucial to investigate both viewpoints and their arguments. Articles and online sources are mostly univocal in supporting electric vehicles in the long run. Most of them, however, admit the obstacles that can affect their development. The proponents of gas vehicles are still numerous despite the growing awareness of climate change and the harmful effects of gas vehicle emissions. Stephanie Weaver (2022), in her article ‘Gas vs. electric vehicles: Advantages of each car as gas prices soar’, touches upon the issue of the debate between gas and electric vehicles, taking into account the current economic hardships and the severe rise of gas prices. ‘Factors impacting consumers’ intention toward adoption of electric vehicles in Malaysia’ by Asadi et al. (2021) looks at Malaysia as a case study, which allows looking at the debate from a different angle. ‘A review on electric vehicles: Technologies and challenges’ by Sanguesa et al. (2021) provides a complex assessment of the electric vehicle technologies and the challenges facing them, emphasizing their importance in the future of smart developments.
On the other side, there are proponents of the emphasis on the downsides of electric vehicles and the advantages of gas vehicles. Gelmanova et al. (2018), in their article ‘Electric cars. Advantages and disadvantages look at the general advantages of electric cars and emphasize their limited durability and autonomy capabilities. It can be seen that the proponents of gas vehicles are still numerous despite the growing awareness of the possible environmental crisis.
Compared to gas-powered automobiles, electric vehicles are far more environmentally benign. Car electrification is one of the most effective strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, which are causing global warming (Das et al., 2020). When compared to fuel pricing, electric vehicles have reduced maintenance and charging expenses, which tend to balance the greater initial cost over time (Weaver, 2022). Regenerative braking is used in electric automobiles, which lowers wear and tear (Sanguesa et al., 2021). These cars reduce or eliminate trips to petrol stations since they require little or no gasoline. Most drivers discover that they may charge initially at home or work. One or more electric motors, fueled by energy stored in batteries, drive all-electric cars (Zhou et al., 2018). This makes electric vehicles incredibly simple to maintain, resulting in cost savings.
In numerous aspects, electric cars are the best approach for improving public health. Lowering dangerous exhaust emissions is beneficial to health since better air quality will minimize health issues and expenses associated with air pollution (Sanguesa et al., 2021). Electric vehicles are quieter than gas vehicles, resulting in reduced noise pollution. The existing laws governing trucks and heavy vehicles, which prohibit them from entering many neighborhoods, might result in a calm existence in many cities.
Even though an electric automobile would be less expensive to operate and maintain, the owner of an electric vehicle will face several obstacles. First and foremost, contemporary battery technology only allows for a limited range. With current batteries, the range between recharges is 50 to 150 kilometers (Gelmanova et al., 2018). New battery solutions are being developed that will extend this range, with prototypes demonstrating a range of up to 200 miles between charges (Das et al., 2020). Another issue that electric vehicle owners have is finding skilled service professionals to maintain and service their vehicles (The Advanced Vehicles and Infrastructure team, n.d.). A gas-powered car often has a lower initial purchase price, making it more appealing to consumers. Even after federal and state tax rebates, electric automobiles are often more expensive than equivalent gas-powered vehicles. Battery recharge infrastructure is required, even though the most critical component of the recharging infrastructure already exists since power is universally available (Gelmanova et al., 2018). The final critical component is to guarantee that charging stations with the appropriate services are available in key areas to support electric vehicles (Das et al., 2020). Nowadays, logistical problems with the availability of such stations lead to frustration among consumers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is seen that with a new presence in the automobile sector, the present range of electric vehicles is limited but expanding, with supporters of the switch stating that it will save money in the long run. Electric cars should be preferred due to rising worries about renewable energy and the long-term viability of our ecology. The arguments presented from both sides are profound, but the proponents of electric vehicles encompass a bigger picture. For me, it is better to rely on the possibility of reducing the reduction of climate change and developing technologies rather than stick to gas vehicles and watch rising fuel prices.
References
Asadi, S., Nilashi, M., Samad, S., Abdullah, R., Mahmoud, M., Alkinani, M. H., & Yadegaridehkordi, E. (2021). Factors impacting consumers’ intention toward adoption of electric vehicles in Malaysia. Journal of Cleaner Production, 282(1), 124-147.
Das, H. S., Rahman, M. M., Li, S., & Tan, C. W. (2020). Electric vehicles standards, charging infrastructure, and impact on grid integration: A technological review. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 120(2), 109-118.
Gelmanova, Z. S., Zhabalova, G. G., Sivyakova, G. A., Lelikova, O. N., Onishchenko, O. N., Smailova, A. A., & Kamarova, S. N. (2018). Electric cars. Advantages and disadvantages. Journal of Physics, 10(15), 20-29.
Sanguesa, J. A., Torres-Sanz, V., Garrido, P., Martinez, F. J., & Marquez-Barja, J. M. (2021). A review on electric vehicles: Technologies and challenges. Smart Cities, 4(1), 372-404.
The Advanced Vehicles and Infrastructure Team (n.d.). “Advanced Vehicles Testing Activity.”
Weaver, S. (2022). Gas vs. electric vehicles: Advantages of each car as gas prices soar. Fox13.
Zhou, Y., Wang, M., Hao, H., Johnson, L., & Wang, H. (2018). Plug-in electric vehicle market penetration and incentives: A global review. Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies for Global Change, 20(5), 777-795.