Electric Cars vs. Gas Cars: Compare & Contrast Essay
Table of Contents
Introduction
Similarities between Electric & Gas Cars
Differences between Electric & Gas Cars
Electric Cars: Advantages
Fuel Cars: Advantages
Conclusion: Electric Cars vs. Gas Cars
References
There has been a lot of development in the car industry, especially if comparing the current achievements to the first car models in the 19th century. The changes help reach the level of comfort and efficiency required nowadays.
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The reasons for the newest modifications also include environmental issues and the cost of gas. Gas- and diesel-powered cars are getting more of a luxurious item than ever before. Therefore, people have started looking for alternative power solutions.
Introduction
Through trial and error, developers could come up with the idea of electric cars. Today, all the most notable car brands have their electric car model. The variety of choices can confuse the potential buyer, though.
It leads us to the purpose of this compare and contrast essay on electric cars vs. gas cars. Similarities and differences between them are discussed in the first two parts. Then, the advantages of each type of car are presented separately. The conclusion reveals the outcome of this battle.
Similarities between Electric & Gas Cars
Electric and gas cars look the same on the outside. Even though the models vary from brand to brand, a newbie probably won’t be able to tell the difference between electric and gas cars.
Both types are shaped to resist the wind, which is a common sense in the car industry. Also, they share standard features like mirrors and indicators as they are the universal parts of all cars. It also includes the wheel, pedals, and car seats.
Besides, it is quite evident that both electric and gasoline cars serve the same purpose, transporting passengers and goods. Moreover, the general interior features would also be similar.
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Furthermore, there are not many differences in the way the owner can tune his car. Just like washing both vehicles would be quite the same.
However, this is where the similarities between electric and gas cars end. The engines, the way they are powered, and all the processes related to that are entirely different. It is even easy to distinguish an electric car from the gas one by sound.
Therefore, if the way the car works doesn’t matter to the owners, they would only notice the difference in general maintenance. However, as soon as it comes to the inside of the car, there is a minimal resemblance.
Differences between Electric & Gas Cars
First of all, it is evident from the name that electric cars are powered by electricity and gas cars need gasoline to work. Next, let’s move to the engine. One of the most amazing things about electric vehicles is that they have the motor as the only big moving part.
There is a pack of rechargeable batteries inside it, which powers the motor. In turn, it powers the drive train, and it causes the car to move. Gas cars, on the other hand, need combustion engines for that. Fuel or diesel is burnt inside, and it provides enough power to start the engine.
Gas cars have a fuel tank that is hidden in the back behind the seat. In electric vehicles, there is a set of batteries installed. Therefore, instead of filling the tank with gasoline, you would need to top off the battery in the electric vehicle.
There are fewer moving parts in electric cars too. It also means that their owners face fewer issues with maintenance. The engine of the gas car is amazingly complex, not to mention all the other parts needed to make power out of fuel.
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Last but not least, electric cars don’t leave a trace of emissions when they are on the roads. Unlike gas-powered vehicles, they don’t have a tailpipe because there is no need for it. However, there is a recharge socket on the body of the car. Its place depends on where the batteries are located.
Electric Cars: Advantages
Now, let’s check the advantages of electric vehicles in comparison to the standard gas cars. This part of the essay would be especially helpful for those who are thinking about purchasing a car soon.
Efficiency related to energy might be one of the best benefits of electric cars. Sixty percent of all the energy contained by the set of batteries goes for powering the wheels. On the other hand, gas cars only convert 20 percent of the energy that comes from fuel to run the wheels.
Another top advantage of electric cars is that they are environmentally friendly. This topic is so popular now, not only because eco-friendly stuff is trendy. It is a significant concern of the whole population of our planet. Switching to options that are not harmful to our ecosystem is a matter of survival, not fashion.
Unlike their fuel-powered counterparts, electric cars don’t produce any emission. However, there is a trick. If they are charged from a generator, there may be some concerns about how eco-friendly it is. But if the power used for charging derives from wind or solar plants, the whole process is 100 percent clean.
Electric cars are also considered to be more comfortable and pleasant with a bonus of surplus performance. They are much quieter and drive smoother than their gas-powered relatives. Another pleasantly surprising feature is that their acceleration rate is extreme.
Another excellent addition to owning an electric car is that the maintenance of these cars is much cheaper thanks to the small number of moving parts. Moreover, owners of electric vehicles can be proud of significantly reduced energy dependence.
Since the invention of cars, people have had to rely on a low number of energy sources. The simple shortage of oil can shut down a big chunk of transportation. And it is not just an assumption; it is our foreseeable future. Electric vehicles and hydrogen fuel-cell cars are here to secure the transportation industry.
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Fuel Cars: Advantages
Despite all the benefits of electric cars, internal combustion engines have a set of significant advantages against them. One of the main ones that probably keeps people away from buying electric vehicles is their driving range.
With the full tank, a gas vehicle can go for about 300 miles before it has to be refilled. On the other hand, fully charged electric vehicles can only travel 100-200 miles without an additional recharge.
Therefore, fuel-powered cars are more reliable in terms of going for long-distance travel. Moreover, some remote areas don’t necessarily guarantee a regular supply of electricity. For instance, going for a road trip in Iceland or safari in Africa on an electric car might not be 100 percent safe.
Advantage number two is that refilling a gas car is much faster than charging an electric one. For the latter, it might take quite a long time, depending on the vehicle type and the charging speed. It could take somewhat from 30 minutes to 12 hours.
Back in the day of the development, Tesla Model cars were supposed to have a speed-up feature. They were promising that at the charging points, it would also be possible to change the battery pack in a few minutes. However, it would cost quite a lot. The project ended up being closed, though.
In contrast, you only need to stop for about 5 minutes at the gas station to fill the car with gas. Moreover, there are many more gas stations around the country than charging points. In case of an emergency, carrying a heavy and large battery pack that provides driving power for electric cars is not the most pleasant thing.
The last point is that fuel-powered cars are much more common everywhere compared to electric vehicles. Therefore, finding the replacement for any damaged part is not a big challenge. It is not the case with electric cars, especially in the places where they are not so popular yet.
Conclusion: Electric Cars vs. Gas Cars
This essay on electric cars vs. fuel cars discussed similarities and differences between them. After that, the unique strengths and weak points of both types of vehicles were highlighted.
The cars may look alike on the outside, but the engines and everything on the inside is drastically different. Electric cars are cheaper and more efficient in maintenance. Besides, they don’t harm the environment. On the other hand, fuel cars are better for long distances and faster to refill.
The conclusion for electric cars essay is that fuel cars appear to have fewer strengths. However, it might take time for electric vehicles to become more common so that recharging and maintenance issues would be solved.
Electric Cars vs. Gas Cars FAQ
What are the differences between electric cars and gas cars?
There are many differences between electric cars and gas cars. The main one is the way they are powered. Electric cars have fewer parts that are moving. The motor is the only one. Fuel-powered cars, on the other hand, have a very complex system. Look how complicated the engine is. It creates a difference in maintenance too.
Which is better: electric or gas cars?
It is hard to tell whether electric or gas cars are better. It all depends on how popular electric cars are in a specific location. From the perspective of maintenance and efficiency, they can easily beat gas cars. However, there should be enough charging points. So, if the particular infrastructure is not developed, owning an electric car can be troublesome.
Which is faster: electric or gas cars?
Generally speaking, gas cars are faster than electric cars. However, the latter ones accelerate way much quicker because there is no need for the usual transition. Also, an electric vehicle can get you to your destination point faster than the gas one. But, for now, its top speed is not as high as the standard fuel-powered vehicles can reach.
What are the disadvantages of an electric car?
There are some disadvantages to an electric car which reduce its efficiency. The main one is the range. They can travel for distances twice shorter than the usual gas vehicles. The next weak point is the time it takes it to recharge. Depending on the charging point and the type of battery, it can take up to 12 hours.
Are electric cars unsafe?
Just a few aspects can prove that electric cars are safe. They might be safer than the usual fuel-powered vehicles. First thing first, gas cars need gas to run. Makes sense, right? But gasoline and diesel are highly flammable substances which make them quite dangerous. Also, electric vehicles have fewer parts, so they wear out less frequently.
References
Fueleconomy.gov. n.d. All-Electric Vehicles. [online]
Afdc.energy.gov. n.d. Alternative Fuels Data Center: How Do All-Electric Cars Work?. [online]
The Economist. 2020. Wireless Charging Of Electric Cars Looks Increasingly Promising. [online]
Energy.gov. n.d. Electric Vehicle Benefits. [online]
EECA Business. 2019. Benefits And Considerations Of Electric Vehicles. [online]
Fueleconomy.gov. n.d. Fuel Cell Vehicles – Benefits And Challenges. [online]
Wynn, G., 2010. Gasoline Still Has Some Advantages As Fuel. [online] Nytimes.com.
Kanellos, M., 2012. Which Are Better: Electric Cars Or Natural Gas Vehicles?. [online] Forbes.
